The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has identified the aircraft involved in the crash at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as an ATR-42 aircraft, correcting earlier reports that described it as a helicopter.
The crash occurred on Monday in a swampy area of Igbokoda, with rescue and assessment operations subsequently launched at the scene.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft, bringing the total number of occupants to 32.
The figures represent the number of people believed to have been on board and do not represent the number of fatalities.
No official casualty figure has been confirmed as authorities continue efforts to establish what happened and determine the condition of those aboard.
Earlier reports from the area said residents heard a loud sound from the crash site but were unable to immediately access the location because the aircraft came down in a swampy area inside a creek.
Security personnel, including police and military operatives, subsequently arrived at the scene as rescue efforts got underway.
The Ondo State Police Command had earlier confirmed the aircraft crash and said investigations were ongoing.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said details surrounding the incident were still emerging.
“The Ondo State Police Command confirms the reported aircraft crash in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, 5th October 2026. Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue,” Jimoh said.
He urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
“The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he added.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the circumstances of the crash, the condition of the passengers and crew, and the confirmed casualty figure as rescue and investigation efforts continue.
For now, 25 passengers and seven crew members are the reported occupant figures, not confirmed fatalities.
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