Helicopter Crashes into Swamp Near Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo

A helicopter has crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

 

The crash happened at about 11 a.m. on Monday during a heavy downpour, causing panic in the coastal community.

 

How many people were on board has not been officially confirmed, and there is no confirmation yet on the condition of any survivors.

 

The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, Mr Maurice Oripenaiye, confirmed the crash to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview, but said he could not yet establish the number of victims.

 

He added that the identity of the helicopter and of those on board had also not been established.

 

"It happened during the heavy rainfall at about 11.00a.m. I cannot confirm the number of the people on board.

 

"I have deployed some youths to the area for rescue purpose," he said.

 

The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash, saying details of the incident were still emerging.

 

In a statement issued in Akure by its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command said efforts were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the crash.

 

"The Command urges members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.

 

"The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available," the statement said.