The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash of a military aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Federal Government has since confirmed that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the rescue operation was being conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
Aircraft Crashed During Benin-Lagos Flight
According to Ejodame, the aircraft was carrying out a routine flight between Benin and Lagos when the accident occurred in the Igbokoda area.
He said the Air Force immediately activated search and rescue efforts following the incident.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred,” the statement said.
Ejodame added that the NAF was working alongside relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to ensure the success of the operation.
FG Confirms 32 People Were On Board
The development came after the Federal Government provided further details on the number of people aboard the aircraft.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of occupants to 32.
The minister had earlier disclosed that Air Traffic Controllers lost contact with the aircraft after it disappeared from radar at about 9:13am, following unsuccessful attempts to establish communication with the crew.
Subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with the wreckage located as search and rescue operations continued.
Rescue Efforts Underway
The NAF said it remained committed to the ongoing operation and was coordinating with other agencies involved in the response.
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“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” Ejodame said.
He added that further details would be communicated as more information became available.
The circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of those aboard had not been fully established at the time of the latest official update.
Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, is a major riverine community in Ondo State.