The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after it disappeared from radar while en route from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement released, the Minister said the aircraft had 32 persons onboard and disappeared at about 9:13 am after air traffic controllers lost contact with it. He said rescue operation is ongoing.
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.
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.”