Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa sympathised with the Chief of Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and families of the passengers and personnel aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.
Aiyedatiwa said he had been in contact with the Nigerian Air Force leadership, the Ilaje Local Government Chairman, Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies involved in the response to the incident.
The governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to mobilise personnel and resources in support of the ongoing search and rescue operation.
He also ordered the crash site to be cordoned off and secured to enable emergency responders to work without hindrance, while urging residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to monitor developments and provide necessary assistance, while praying for the safety of those involved and the success of the rescue operation.