Many Feared Dead as Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo

A helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several people feared dead.

The incident occurred on Monday morning in a swampy area within the Igbokoda creek, according to a local source.

The source said residents heard a loud sound from the area but could not immediately reach the crash site because of the difficult terrain. From a distance, they reportedly saw the location of the incident.

The source added that police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to begin rescue operations, but some of the helicopter’s occupants were feared to have died in the crash.

The exact number of people on board and the number of casualties had not been confirmed as of the time of filing the report.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said an investigation had commenced.

Jimoh said the command was aware of the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area and that details surrounding the incident were still emerging.

He urged residents, particularly those in Igbokoda and neighbouring communities, to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The police spokesperson said further details would be made public once credible information becomes available.