FG Says 32 People Were Aboard Military Aircraft That Crashed in Ondo

The Federal Government has disclosed that 32 people were aboard the military aircraft that crashed near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday.

The figure comprises 25 passengers and seven crew members, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Keyamo disclosed the information in his first official statement on the incident, posted on X, after air traffic controllers reported the disappearance of the aircraft while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos.

The aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, reportedly disappeared from radar during its journey before authorities subsequently confirmed that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

Keyamo said, “I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today.

“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.

“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.

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

Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area after the wreckage was located.

The exact number of casualties had not been established as of the time of the minister’s statement, with rescue operations still underway.

Keyamo also clarified that the regulation and control of military aircraft do not fall under the Ministry of Aviation or the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

He nevertheless said the ministry was ready to assist the military authorities in the ongoing rescue operation.

He added, “Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just 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.

“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently.”

The Nigerian Air Force had earlier indicated that the aircraft was undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred.