Updated: Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo, NAF Begins ‘Search and Rescue’ Operation

A military aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State, on Monday morning. The unfortunate incident took place in a marshy region near the Naval Base, causing residents of the coastal community to panic. The exact identity of the aircraft and the number of personnel aboard have not been officially confirmed. However, military equipment was reportedly found at the crash site.

Ilaje Local Government Area Chairman, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the event to journalists. He stated that the aircraft had been burned in the crash, but the exact number of individuals on board remains unknown. The Ondo State Police Command, through their Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Abayomi, later verified the incident and advised members of the public to remain calm and avoid sharing unverified information.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also confirmed the crash, revealing that the aircraft was an ATR-42 involved in a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. A spokesperson for the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, informed that the search and rescue operation had commenced immediately in coordination with other authorities and emergency response agencies. The NAF remains committed to successfully completing these rescue efforts.

At the time of writing, details regarding the number of personnel on board and their condition are still uncertain. Authorities are currently working to secure the crash site and gather further information on the cause of the accident and the surrounding circumstances.