NEMA activates search team for crashed air force aircraft in Ondo

… deploys search and rescue director, technical team to Igbokoda

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has activated a specialised search-and-rescue team to intensify operations following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ondo State.

NEMA Director General, Mrs Zubaida Umar, directed the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to the crash location as part of efforts to reinforce ongoing search and recovery operations.

The deployment comes as NEMA personnel already at the scene continue to work with other emergency responders involved in the operation.

Umar stated that the agency intervened to enhance coordination and offer extra technical and operational support to the teams responding to the incident.

She commended the prompt activation of search-and-rescue operations following the crash and reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to deploy the necessary resources to support the ongoing response.

The NEMA chief also expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful loss to the nation and acknowledging the sacrifices made by Nigerian Air Force personnel in the service and defence of the country.

She extended condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force family and families affected by the crash.

Umar prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, comfort for their families and speedy recovery for anyone injured in the incident.