Scene of a plane crash
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has launched an immediate search and rescue operation after one of its ATR-42 aircraft crashed near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State during a routine mission on Monday.
The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when it was involved in the accident. Search teams have since been deployed to the crash site in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday. He said the Air Force was fully committed to rescuing those involved in the accident.
> “The Nigerian Air Force is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts,” the statement said.
The Air Force, however, did not disclose the cause of the crash or the condition of those on board. It assured Nigerians that more information would be released as the rescue operation continues.
The latest statement came hours after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the military aircraft had disappeared from radar while flying from Benin to Lagos.
According to the minister, Air Traffic Controllers lost communication with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. Despite repeated efforts to establish radio contact, there was no response before the wreckage was later found near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
Keyamo said preliminary information indicated that the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 32.
> “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.”
He added:”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.”
The minister also disclosed that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Federal Government’s support for the ongoing rescue efforts, noting that the operation of military aircraft falls outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while emergency responders continue their work.
Police spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command would continue to provide credible updates as more information becomes available.
The crash has raised fresh concerns over aviation safety, while families of those believed to be on board await official confirmation on the outcome of the search and rescue mission. Authorities say further details will be communicated as the operation progresses.
