A suspected military helicopter has reportedly crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, throwing residents of the coastal community into panic.
The helicopter was said to have crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The circumstances surrounding the crash remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.
The Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Maurice Oripelaye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists.
According to him, military equipment was found at the crash site, but it was impossible to immediately determine how many personnel were aboard the aircraft.
He said the helicopter had reportedly been burnt beyond recognition, making it difficult to ascertain whether there were survivors or the number of casualties.
“The helicopter crashed in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base. Military gear was found at the scene, but we cannot ascertain the number of people on board because the helicopter was burnt to rubble,” a source familiar with the incident said.
The crash reportedly caused panic among residents, with people in the community scampering for safety following the incident.
Igbokoda is a riverine community and commercial centre in Ilaje, one of Ondo State’s major oil-producing areas. Helicopters are regularly used in the area for oil and gas-related logistics and operations.
