Several People Feared Dead as Aircraft Crashes in Nigeria's Ondo State

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  • A helicopter crashed into a river in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2026
  • The number of people on board and their identities remained unknown as rescue teams rushed to the scene
  • Nigerian Navy personnel from a Forward Operating Base joined emergency responders already working at the crash site

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over eight years of experience covering metro, government policies and international affairs.

Ilaje, Ondo State - A helicopter has crashed into a river in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with several people feared dead.

As reported by Independent Nigeria, the incident happened on Monday morning, October 5, along Larada Street in Ilaje, where the aircraft went down into the river. The cause of the crash had not been established as of the time of this report, and neither the number of passengers on board nor the identities of any occupants were known.

Tinubu Gives Order After NAF ATR-42 Jet Crashes in Ondo With 32 on BoardTinubu mourned after an NAF ATR-42 carrying 32 people crashed in Ondo, ordering a full investigation and praising the swift search-and-rescue response efforts.Adekunle Dada, https://www.facebook.com/legitngnews, 05 Oct 2026
A helicopter crashes into a river in Ondo State, with several people feared dead. Photo credit: GettySource: Getty Images

Residents in the area confirmed that emergency responders and security agencies had moved to the scene shortly after the incident.

One resident told The Nation:

"As I speak with you, efforts is currently being intensified to locate possible survivors and ascertain the extent of casualties."

Ondo: Navy joins rescue operation

Men of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) have also been deployed to support the ongoing rescue operation in Ilaje.

Jimoh Abayomi, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the crash when contacted but said he would provide further details in due course.

Nigerian Navy personnel take part in rescue operations following a helicopter crash in Ondo State. Image for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: Nigerian NavySource: Facebook

Legit.ng reports that non-commercial air crashes, such as those involving helicopters, private jets, or training flights, happen infrequently in Nigeria, with occasional minor incidents or rare fatal occurrences recorded over several years.

Tinubu speaks on Ondo crash

Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed "profound sadness" over the occurrence.

Sowore Raises Questions after NAF ATR-42 Aircraft Crashes in OndoSowore reacted to the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 crash near Igbokoda, Ondo, calling for investigations into the cause and emergency response failures in Ondo.Adekunle Dada, https://www.facebook.com/legitngnews, 05 Oct 2026
"The Chief of Air Staff has ​briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation ​into the cause of the crash ​to prevent future occurrences," Tinubu said in a ‌statement.

Read President Tinubu's full statement via the X post below:

Read more Ondo state news

Sowore reacts as aircraft crashes in Ondo

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that activist and politician Omoyele Sowore reacted to the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ondo State, expressing grief over the incident while raising urgent questions about the country's emergency response capabilities.

Sowore said he was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy and offered his condolences to the families of those aboard and to the personnel of the Nigerian Air Force affected by the loss.

Beyond expressing sorrow, Sowore directed attention to videos and images emerging from the crash site, which he said raised serious questions about how Nigeria handles large-scale emergencies.

Source: Legit.ng