Tragedy struck on Monday morning as an aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, with 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — reportedly on board.
A community leader, who confirmed the incident, said: “A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State. But we don’t know the exact location or other details.”
The Nigerian Air Force, however, later confirmed the incident in a statement.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in the statement: “The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”