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.

Aiyedatiwa also ordered that the crash site be immediately cordoned off and secured to allow emergency responders to carry out rescue operations without interference.

The governor gave the directives in a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, following confirmation of the crash.

He expressed sadness over the incident and sympathised with the Chief of the Air Staff, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the personnel and passengers aboard the aircraft.

Aiyedatiwa said he had been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, and security agencies at the scene to support the emergency response.

He directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise personnel and resources to assist the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency agencies involved in the search and rescue operation.

The governor also urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm, cooperate with emergency responders and avoid spreading unverified information about the incident.

The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that the aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.

Authorities said the wreckage had been located and search and rescue operations were ongoing, although the condition of those on board had not been officially confirmed at the time of the reports.

Aiyedatiwa said the state government would continue to monitor developments and provide updates based on information from the Nigerian Air Force, while expressing hope for the successful rescue of those involved in the accident.