Following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, [Ondo State](https://ondostate.gov.ng) on Monday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the deployment of logistics and emergency assistance from the Ministry of Health and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to the site.
He indicated that the deployment is intended to bolster the ongoing search‑and‑rescue effort.
The directive was outlined in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Ebenezer Adeniyan.
The aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down in the early hours of Monday, resulting in the deaths of seven crew members and 25 passengers.
The accident occurred in a swampy area of Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State.
Preliminary information, confirmed by the [Nigerian Air Force](https://airforce.mil.ng) Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, identified the aircraft as an ATR‑42 bearing tail number NGR 931, which was on a scheduled mission from Benin to Lagos before it crashed opposite the naval base in Igbokoda.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also verified that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Governor Aiyedatiwa received the news with profound sorrow and has been in contact with the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, Ilaje Local Government Chairman Maurice Oripelaye, and the relevant security agencies on the ground.
“To aid ongoing efforts, Governor Aiyedatiwa has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the Ministry of Health, and relevant security agencies to immediately mobilise and provide full logistical and human support to the Nigerian Air Force and other emergency response agencies in the search and rescue operations currently ongoing at the crash site,” the statement read.
He further ordered that the crash zone be cordoned off and secured to ensure smooth rescue operations, urging residents of Igbokoda and neighboring communities to remain calm, cooperate with responders, and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The state government pledged to monitor the situation closely and issue updates as more details become available from the Nigerian Air Force.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa expresses his heartfelt sympathy to the Chief of Air Staff, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of all personnel and passengers on board the ill‑fated aircraft. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time,” he said.
“We pray for the safety of our gallant officers and for the success of the rescue efforts.”