The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has activated a search and rescue operation following an aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred on Monday in the coastal community of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft, an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

He said the NAF was coordinating the search and rescue operation with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” Ejodame said.

He added that the NAF remained committed to ensuring the success of the rescue efforts, promising that further details would be communicated as they became available.

The accident had earlier sparked panic among residents of Igbokoda, with initial reports suggesting that a helicopter had crashed in the area.

However, the identity of the aircraft and the number of people on board could not immediately be ascertained.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that an aircraft had crashed but said residents were yet to establish the exact location and other details.