Akure, the Ondo State capital, was thrown into confusion, Thursday, as news of the crash of the plane conveying the corpse of a former governor of the state, Olusegun Agagu, filtered into town.
The plane was also conveying some relatives of Agagu and some members of the burial committee comprising top government officials.
As early as 9. 00 a.m., a huge crowd of supporters and well-wishers, especially members of the PDP, had gathered at the
Democracy Park in the state capital, venue of the lying-in state organised by the state government.
The report of the crash, however, led to the sudden dispersal of the crowd and heightened tension as traders hurriedly closed their shops.
Many residents were sighted discussing the incident in hushed tones while vehicular traffic was light on major highways.
At the state secretariat, workers left their offices and gathered in groups discussing the development while others wept uncontrollably.
At the Government House, commissioners, aides of the governor and many other sympathisers wore mournful looks.
Chief Reuben Fasoranti, an elder statesman and Afenifere Chieftain, described the incident as shocking, devastating and unfortunate’.
He urged citizens of the state to remain calm and be more prayerful to avert any further calamity.
"This is too much for us. We have not got over the unfortunate demise of Agagu when this happened."
"We are indeed devastated and it is only God that can save us from this agony," Fasoranti stated.
Similarly, Mr. Niyi Pirisola, the Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Council, urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities.