Ondo air crash: Aiyedatiwa commends FG, residents for rescue efforts

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has lauded the Federal Government, security forces and locals for their efforts in the search and recovery operation following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in the state. The governor made the commendation in a statement released by his chief press secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, after receiving a briefing from the Director of Search and Rescue at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Aiyedatiwa described the incident as a national tragedy and expressed deep sorrow for the loss of young officers who sacrificed their lives in defense of Nigeria. He also commiserated with the families of the victims and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for declaring three days of mourning for the fallen personnel. Despite the challenging terrain, a swampy area with narrow and shallow creeks, the recovery operation has continued.

Local residents have utilized smaller boats to navigate the creeks and provide assistance to the rescue team, but unfortunately, there were no survivors. Aiyedatiwa plans to personally visit Igbokoda to meet with residents and ensure the ongoing recovery operation. The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda on Monday during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, resulting in the tragic loss of all 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers.