ABUJA — Tension has gripped parts of Ondo State following the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft carrying 32 people in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Federal Government confirmed the incident on Monday, revealing that the aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development in a statement, saying Air Traffic Controllers had earlier reported that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared while flying from Benin to Lagos.
According to Keyamo, the aircraft vanished from radar at about 9:13 a.m., after repeated attempts to establish radio communication with the crew failed.
He said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, where the wreckage was later located.
Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further details as they emerge.
Keyamo also clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
He added that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Further information on the condition of those onboard and the circumstances surrounding the crash is expected to be released by the authorities.
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