A Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after losing contact with air traffic controllers while travelling from Benin to Lagos.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident, indicating that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5. Attempts to reach the aircraft by radio were unsuccessful.
The minister noted that information received later confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that its wreckage had been located.
“Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.” he stated.
Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32.
The Nigerian Air Force subsequently identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said it was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 operating a routine mission when the crash occurred. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, said rescue teams had been deployed to the site.
The condition of those on board had not been officially confirmed as rescue efforts continued, while authorities had yet to establish what caused the aircraft to crash.
Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, following the incident and assured the military of the ministry’s support.
The minister also clarified that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority do not regulate military aircraft but remain ready to provide assistance where required.
The crash occurred in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, a coastal area in southern Nigeria.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on official updates as the search-and-rescue operation continues and investigations into the incident get underway.
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