We Heard Very Loud Sound — Resident Recounts Ondo Helicopter Crash

A resident of Igbokoda in Ondo State has recounted hearing a “very loud sound” shortly before a helicopter crashed in the area, as rescue efforts continued following the incident.

The helicopter crashed on Monday, October 5, in a swampy area close to the naval base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

“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 resident said.

The resident said police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to commence rescue operations, adding that some of the occupants might have died in the crash.

“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.

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

LEADERSHIP reports that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the military, stating that it was en route to Lagos from Benin, the Edo State capital.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, also disclosed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

However, the exact number of casualties remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The aircraft was said to have crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, making access to the scene difficult.

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

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said details of 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 spreading unverified information.

“The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available,” he stated.