32 Aboard as Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am on Monday.

The Nigerian Air Force identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said it was on a routine mission.

Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the crash in a statement on Monday.

He said repeated attempts to contact the aircraft by radio failed before authorities received information confirming the crash.

Keyamo said rescuers had located the wreckage near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Search and rescue operations were underway as of the latest official update.

“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board,” the minister said.

Authorities had yet to confirm the condition of those on board at the time of filing this report. Reports of casualties had also not received official confirmation.

The incident initially generated reports that a military helicopter had crashed in the area. Subsequent official information, however, identified the aircraft as a military ATR-42.

The crash occurred in the coastal Igbokoda area, where the swampy terrain has posed challenges for the rescue operation. Local authorities and emergency agencies have joined the effort to reach the site and assist those involved.

Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, following the incident.

Although military aviation falls outside the control of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, he pledged the ministry’s support for the rescue operation.

“I have spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing,” Keyamo said.

The Ondo State Government has also directed relevant agencies to support the operation.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and security agencies to mobilise personnel and logistics for the rescue effort.

He also directed authorities to secure the crash site and urged residents to cooperate with emergency responders.

The Ondo State Police Command has similarly urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm.

The command warned the public against circulating unverified information while authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the crash.

Further details on the identities and condition of those aboard were expected as the search and rescue operation continued.