Military Helicopter feared crashed in Ondo, several feared dead

By Onu Okorie

A suspected military helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several people feared dead.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, reportedly sent residents of the coastal community into panic as emergency responders and security agencies moved to secure the area and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The helicopter was said to have come down in a swampy terrain opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, said military gear had been recovered from the crash site.
Oripelaye, who spoke with journalists by telephone, however, cautioned that it was too early to ascertain the number of personnel who may have been aboard the aircraft.
He said the helicopter was reportedly burnt to rubble, making it difficult to immediately determine the number of casualties or identify those who may have been on board.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Abayomi Jimoh, the command said details of the incident were still emerging as security personnel and other relevant authorities continued efforts to establish what happened.
The command urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and desist from spreading unverified information about the crash.
According to the police, credible information would be released to the public as soon as it becomes available.
As of the time of filing this report, however, authorities had not officially confirmed the identity of the helicopter, the number of people on board or whether there were survivors.
The origin and destination of the aircraft also remained unknown.
Sources said emergency and security personnel were working to secure the crash site, examine the wreckage and determine the extent of casualties.
The incident reportedly attracted residents and witnesses to the area, although authorities were expected to restrict access to the crash site as investigations progressed.
The crash comes amid heightened concerns over aviation and military aircraft safety, with the circumstances surrounding Monday’s incident expected to become clearer following a formal assessment of the wreckage and identification of the aircraft.
Further details, including the identity of the aircraft and personnel involved, are expected from the relevant military and aviation authorities.