…Aiyedatiwa mourns victims, direct emergency support, rescue operations
By: Bola Ojuola, Akure.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced an immediate Search and Rescue operation for an ATR-42 aircraft which crashed yesterday, 5 October 2026.in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State .
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that 32 persons including 25 passengers and 7 crew members were on board just as Government Aiyedatiwa mourns and direct support for search and rescue operations .
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Ehimen said search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, were currently ongoing.
Mainwhile Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has said that he received with deep sadness the news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda.
According to a statement by his Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the Governor said he mourns the death of the victims.
“Preliminary reports confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.
“The Governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on ground.
“To aid ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilize and offer full logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies in the search and rescue operations currently ongoing at the crash site.
“The Governor has also directed that the area be cordoned off and secured to allow for smooth and unhindered rescue operations, while urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and refrain from spreading unverified information.
“The Ondo State Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force.
“We pray for the safety of our gallant officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.
