Ondo Governor Sends Help After Plane Crash

After an ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has ordered logistics and emergency support from the Ministry of Health and the Emergency Agency. This is to help with the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.

The information came from a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

The aircraft was on a regular flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down early on Monday. It claimed the lives of seven crew members and 25 passengers.

The crash took place in a swampy area of Igbokoda, which is the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State.

Preliminary reports confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, stated that the ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931 was on a normal flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, also confirmed the number of people on board, which included 25 passengers and seven crew members.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep sadness upon hearing about the crash. He has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and various security agencies at the scene.

“To help with ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilize and provide full logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response teams in the ongoing search and rescue operations at the crash site,” the statement noted.

“The Governor has also ordered that the area be secured to enable smooth rescue efforts. He urged residents of Igbokoda and nearby communities to stay calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and avoid spreading unverified information.”

He added that the state government would keep monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information comes from the Nigerian Air Force.

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa sends his heartfelt condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all those on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this tough time,” he said.

“We pray for the safety of our brave officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.”