Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Federal Government, security agencies, emergency responders and residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area for their swift response and efforts following the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in the state.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday, October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.

Following the incident, search and rescue operations were immediately activated, with personnel from the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, security agencies, emergency responders and local residents involved in efforts to locate and recover those on board.

Aiyedatiwa said residents and emergency personnel moved towards the crash site after the aircraft was located, while security agencies worked to secure the area and facilitate rescue operations.

The governor had earlier directed the Ondo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to provide logistical and human support to the ongoing operation. He also ordered that the crash site be cordoned off to allow emergency responders to work without hindrance.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its intervention and commended the security agencies and residents for their cooperation and efforts at the scene.

The governor also expressed sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the passengers and crew members involved in the crash.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and commended the Nigerian Air Force, first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response to the incident.

The crash has continued to attract national attention, with authorities coordinating recovery efforts and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident.