ONDO AIR CRASH: AIYEDATIWA HAILS RESIDENTS, SECURITY AGENCIES FOR RECOVERY EFFORTS

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the Federal Government, security agencies and residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area for their efforts in the search and recovery operation following the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in the state.

Aiyedatiwa made the commendation in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, after receiving a briefing from the Director of Search and Rescue at the National Emergency Management Agency, Air Commodore Bature, at the Government House in Akure.

The governor said he immediately directed relevant state authorities to mobilise following news of the crash while he was attending an official engagement in Abuja.

He described the incident as “a national tragedy and a total loss to the country,” noting that the young officers who lost their lives had paid the ultimate price in service to Nigeria and in defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.

“The young officers who died had paid the ultimate price in the service of Nigeria and in defence of its territorial integrity,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He commiserated with the families of the victims and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for declaring three days of mourning in honour of the fallen personnel.

The governor said recovery efforts had continued despite the difficult terrain, explaining that the crash site was located in a swampy area with narrow and shallow creeks.

He noted that local residents had been supporting the operation by using smaller boats to navigate the waterways and gain access to the crash site.

According to Aiyedatiwa, residents worked alongside the Nigerian Navy and other responders in efforts to rescue victims and transport them to hospitals, but there were no survivors.

The governor said he would visit Igbokoda to meet with residents and ensure that recovery efforts continued.

He also thanked NEMA, the military, local government authorities and residents for their contributions, assuring all agencies involved of the state government’s continued support.

Meanwhile, Bature disclosed that three swamp buggies had been deployed to the crash site to strengthen the recovery operation.

He said the operation involved NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy and local residents.

Bature explained that the swamp buggies would be used to navigate the difficult terrain, gain access to the crash site and recover the aircraft wreckage.

He said he was in Ondo State on the directive of NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, who was outside the country.

Bature added that Umar had directed him to meet with Governor Aiyedatiwa and appreciate him for his swift response to the incident.

He also commended SEMA, the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and local residents for their prompt response and support.

The NEMA director said the agency was working with the state government, individuals and residents to coordinate resources for the disaster management operation.

He expressed optimism that the aircraft wreckage and other parts trapped at the crash site would be recovered soon.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda on Monday while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.