Military Helicopter Crashes in Ondo Coastal Community, Rescue Operation Ongoing
Panic gripped Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday morning following the crash of a suspected military helicopter.
The aircraft reportedly crashed in a swampy area opposite the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the coastal town.
Residents said they heard a loud explosion-like sound during rainfall before smoke was seen rising from the forested crash site.
One resident, Olorunlola Oluwafemi, said: “We came outside and discovered that it was something that looked like a jet. Smoke was rising from the area where the aircraft crashed.”
Another resident who had just left the town, Bolatito Oyegunle, also confirmed the incident.
Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the crash in a telephone interview.
“We have confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that were on board yet. Military gear was found at the scene, but the helicopter had burnt to rubble,” he said.
As of press time, the number of occupants and casualties remains unconfirmed, though several persons are feared dead.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident but would make inquiries.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies have been deployed to the scene, with search-and-rescue operations ongoing.
Official statements from the military and aviation authorities are still being awaited.
