Helicopter crashes in Ondo as rescue efforts continue

A helicopter crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, with the aircraft’s identity, the circumstances of the crash and the fate of those aboard not officially confirmed in the initial reports. Authorities said information was still emerging as rescue efforts continued. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the helicopter carried 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base and had been located. He said search and rescue operations were ongoing. The reported total of 32 people aboard has not been independently confirmed in the available accounts, and there was no official confirmation of fatalities or survivors. Ondo State police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh said the police command was aware of the reported crash in the Igbokoda area, in Ilaje Local Government Area, and that details remained limited. Ilaje local government chairman Maurice Oripelaye also confirmed the incident, saying the helicopter came down in a swampy area near a naval facility. He said the exact circumstances were unclear. Reports placed the crash in the coastal community of Igbokoda, but the precise site was not consistently established.