BREAKING: Military Aircraft Crashes Near Ondo Naval Base With 32 On Board

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

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m. while travelling from Benin to Lagos.

What Happened?

According to Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft after efforts to reach it by radio failed. The wreckage was subsequently located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with search and rescue operations launched at the crash site.

Preliminary information indicates that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32. The Nigerian Air Force later identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said it was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Casualties Yet To Be Confirmed

Although early reports raised fears that there may have been significant casualties, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of deaths or survivors in the latest reports.

The Ondo State Police Command also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while authorities establish the full circumstances of the crash.

Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation’s cooperation and assistance with the ongoing rescue operation.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Authorities are expected to provide further details as search-and-rescue operations and investigations continue.