Helicopter crashes in Ondo, occupants feared dead

Abimbola Joseph

Several people are feared dead after a helicopter crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday.

The number of casualties remained unknown as of the time of filing this report, although a local source said some occupants of the helicopter were believed to have died in the crash.

The source said the helicopter crashed in a creek area that was difficult to access, adding that residents could only observe the scene from a distance.

“It happened this morning. We heard a very loud sound in the area where the incident occurred, but we could not get there because the place is a swampy area inside the creek. We are just looking at it from afar,” the source said.

The source added that police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to commence rescue efforts.

“But the police and military personnel later came around for rescue, but the occupants of the helicopter might have died there,” he said.

Confirming the incident, the Ondo State Police Command said an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the crash occurred in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday, October 5, 2026.

“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.

Jimoh said the command would provide further information as soon as credible details emerged.