The traditional ruler of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, has expressed gratitude towards the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Ondo State, stating that his actions prevented a more catastrophic event. The tragic incident, which occurred on October 5, resulted in the loss of all 25 individuals on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it lost contact with air traffic control around 9:13 AM. It subsequently crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. In the aftermath, search and rescue operations were launched, but there were no survivors.

Reflecting on the incident, Oba Odidiomo noted that the community was fortunate the aircraft did not crash within populated areas, which could have resulted in even greater loss of life. "We celebrate the pilot extremely for his sacrifice of his own life and the lives of those on the plane and sparing us in this town," he said. Despite this acknowledgment, the monarch conveyed the community's sorrow over the tragic loss of life.

Residents of Igbokoda were quick to respond after witnessing the aircraft go down. Many rushed to the crash site, hoping to find survivors. Two local fishermen, who were in the vicinity at the time of the crash, assisted in locating the wreckage. The community members initially approached the site equipped with tools, anticipating the possibility of rescuing anyone who might still be alive.

Upon arrival, however, they discovered only remnants of the aircraft, which had sunk into the swampy terrain. The monarch emphasized the challenges faced in accessing the crash site, noting that the area was not easily navigable. "We have to create a way to go there," he explained, highlighting the difficulties in reaching the location.

In response to the recovery efforts, an excavator has been brought in to help clear a path to the crash site. Oba Odidiomo mentioned that the community is exploring alternative methods for retrieving the wreckage, including the use of a large locally made boat and chains to pull out what remains of the aircraft.

The monarch expressed concern about the potential presence of bodies in the surrounding waters, which could pose additional challenges for recovery operations. Despite the risks, he assured that the community remains committed to assisting in the recovery efforts, stating, "So for anybody to want to dive in there to tie a chain around the thing to bring it out, I don’t know yet, but we’ll do it."

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Recovery operations continue, with the hope of bringing closure to the families of the victims.