No Survivors Found in Ondo NAF Plane Crash — Ondo Governor

No Survivors Found in Ondo NAF Plane Crash — Ondo Governor

The Nigerian Air Force plane crash in Ondo State has ended in tragedy, with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirming that no survivors were found at the crash site in Igbokoda. The NAF ATR-42 aircraft went down on Monday morning near the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Ilaje Local Government Area, killing all 32 people on board—25 passengers and seven crew members. The confirmation came during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where the governor described the scene as devastating.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said rescue workers recovered debris from the Ondo plane crash site, including wing fragments, identity cards, and military uniforms, which helped confirm that a military aircraft had gone down. “So far, no single life was rescued,” the governor said. “They could not find anybody alive in that aircraft.” His words confirmed the worst fears of a nation that had spent hours hoping for a miracle.

The governor revealed that he received news of the NAF crash at about 10:30 a.m. through the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area. Initial information was sketchy, with residents across the river reporting a loud sound and vibrations resembling an earthquake. Witnesses later saw the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. Aiyedatiwa said Nigerian Navy personnel initially kept their distance after arriving nearby because they were unsure whether the crash would trigger an explosion or fire. Only after confirming there was no fire or explosion did the Navy personnel move toward the crash site to attempt to rescue those on board.

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Personnel from the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), local residents, and the Amotekun security network also joined the rescue operation. Aiyedatiwa said he had been in constant contact with officials in Igbokoda and had received updates from his Senior Special Adviser on Security Matters and the Nigerian Air Force. The Air Force is also conducting its own assessment to determine the cause of the crash.

The governor described the incident as a “painful development,” especially because it involved military personnel “sent to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria.” “Today is a very sad situation,” Aiyedatiwa said. “We are all sad as Nigerians. And it happened in my own state, not just my own state, but even my own local government area.” His voice carried the weight of a tragedy that has struck close to home for the people of Ondo State.

The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, expressed relief that the aircraft did not crash into the town. “I was praying and afraid that this must not be an aircraft because the casualty figure would have been too high,” Odidiomo said. “We first of all thank God Almighty that it did not drop in the town.” He added that the plane crashed in bushes and a waterlogged area across the river, and that the presence of water may have prevented the aircraft from catching fire after impact.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo had earlier said the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, lost contact with air traffic control at about 9:13 a.m. during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. Nigerian Air Force spokesman Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that search and rescue operations had been activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed SEMA, the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to deploy personnel and resources to support the Air Force and other emergency responders at the crash site. He also ordered security agencies to cordon off the area to prevent unauthorized persons from interfering with rescue operations. The measures reflect the urgency of a situation that has gripped the entire nation.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. The President extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

No Survivors Found in Ondo NAF Plane Crash — Ondo Governor