B JKNewsMedia Reporter
SEARCH AND rescue operations are ongoing after the wreckage of a suspected military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, was located, the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, reportedly crashed on Monday morning in a swampy area opposite the naval base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Keyamo said efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive, while confirming that the wreckage had been located and search and rescue operations were underway.
He also said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation’s total cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing,” Keyamo said.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash, saying details surrounding the incident were still emerging as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, urged residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.
“The Command urges members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” Jimoh said.
Maurice Oripelaye, chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, also confirmed the crash.
Oripelaye said a helicopter had crashed in the area but that the number of people on board could not yet be ascertained. He added that military gear was recovered from the scene and that the aircraft had been destroyed by fire.
“We have confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that were on board yet. Military gear was found at the scene, but the helicopter had burnt to rubble,” he said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
He said the crash caused panic in the coastal community as residents and witnesses gathered around the site while security personnel and other relevant authorities moved to secure the area and assess the scene.
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