Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has pledged the state government’s full support for the ongoing search and recovery operation after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash.
Aiyedatiwa made the commitment on Tuesday when NEMA’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, briefed him at Government House, Akure.
The governor said he directed relevant state authorities to mobilise resources after learning of the crash while attending an official engagement in Abuja.
“The crash is a national tragedy and a total loss to the country,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa said the young officers who died had paid the ultimate price in service to Nigeria and defence of its territorial integrity.
He commiserated with the victims’ families and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for declaring three days of mourning for the fallen personnel.
The governor said recovery efforts continued in spite of difficult terrain, noting that the crash site was surrounded by swampy areas and narrow, shallow creeks.
He said local residents had assisted the operation by using smaller boats to navigate the creeks and access the crash location.
According to him, residents worked with the Navy and other emergency responders to rescue victims and take them to hospital.
He, however, regretted that there were no survivors from the crash.
Aiyedatiwa said he would proceed to Igbokoda to meet residents and ensure that the recovery operation continued.
He commended NEMA, the military, local authorities and residents for their efforts, assuring agencies involved of continued state government support.
Earlier, Usman said three swamp buggies had been deployed to the crash site to strengthen the recovery operation.
He said the operation involved NEMA, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy and local residents.
Usman explained that the swamp buggies were being deployed into the swamp to facilitate access to the crash site and recovery of the aircraft wreckage.
He said he was in Ondo State on the directive of NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, who was outside the country.
Usman said Umar directed him to meet Aiyedatiwa and appreciate him for his prompt response to the incident.
He also commended SEMA, the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police and local residents for their prompt response to the crash.
Usman expressed confidence that the aircraft wreckage and other parts trapped at the crash site would soon be recovered. (NAN)
