The minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has confirmed that 32 people were on board a military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda in Ondo State earlier on Monday.
The minister in a statement revealed that Air Traffic Controllers had earlier reported the disappearance of the military aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, while it was en route from Benin City, Edo State to Lagos.
The aircraft belonging to Nigerian Air Force (NAF), an ATR 42-500 with Reg No. NAF 931 was operated by NAF’s 81 Air Marine Group
Keyamo disclosed that the aircraft disappeared from radar at about 9:13 am after efforts to establish radio communication with the crew proved unsuccessful
Part of the statement reads:
“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, en route Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.
“Subsequently, information confirmed that the military aircraft had 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 seven crew members on board.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the 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.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has ordered comprehensive investigation of the crash.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said that the President had extended his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement reads in part, “This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten”.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident.
“ I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.”
President Tinubu also assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as “they continue their vital role in securing our nation.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” Tinubu said