Aiyedatiwa directs search, rescue operations after Ondo air crash - Punch Newspapers

An Ai-generated photo of a crashed military aircraft...Photo Credit: Open Ai

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has directed state emergency and security agencies to provide full logistical and human support for ongoing search and rescue operations following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state. The governor also directed that the crash site be cordoned off and secured to allow emergency responders to operate without hindrance. Aiyedatiwa, in a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said he received the news of the crash with deep sadness. The governor expressed sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the personnel and passengers on board the aircraft. “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.” Aiyedatiwa said he had already begun engaging relevant authorities to support the response to the incident and ensure that the state government was involved in the ongoing efforts.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google “The Governor has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Hon. Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies on ground.” As part of the state’s response, the governor directed relevant agencies to immediately mobilise resources and personnel to the crash site. “To aid ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilize and offer full logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies in the search and rescue operations currently ongoing at the crash site.” He also ordered that the area be secured to prevent interference with the rescue operation and ensure that emergency personnel can carry out their duties effectively. NSIB declines direct investigation of Ondo NAF crash without military invitation NAF confirms crashed military aircraft in Ondo UPDATED: Military aircraft crashed near Ondo naval base, 32 on board – Keyamo “The Governor has also directed that the area be cordoned off and secured to allow for smooth and unhindered rescue operations,” the statement said. The governor appealed to residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and cooperate with officials working at the scene. He also urged the public to rely on information from the relevant authorities rather than circulate unverified reports about the incident. “While urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders, and refrain from spreading unverified information.” Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force. “The Ondo State Government will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Nigerian Air Force.” He also expressed hope for a successful rescue operation. “We pray for the safety of our gallant officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.” PUNCH Online had reported that the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, crashed in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft. Samuel Omotere Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

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