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A Nigerian Air Force, NAF, ATR-42 aircraft with 32 persons on board — 25 passengers and seven crew members — has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The crash, which occurred on Monday, was confirmed by both the Nigerian Air Force and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, as search and rescue operations continue at the scene.
How The Crash Happened
According to NAF, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. The incident was first hinted at by a community leader in Igbokoda who confirmed the crash but said residents were yet to establish the exact location.
“Yes, it is true. A helicopter crashed at Igbokoda, Ondo State. But we don’t know the exact place and other details,” the community leader said.
When contacted, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said he was not aware of the incident at that time.
NAF, Keyamo Confirm Crash, Activate Rescue Operation
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed ownership of the ATR-42 aircraft and announced immediate search-and-rescue operations.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing. The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course,” Ejodame said.
Also confirming the incident, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the aircraft with tail number NGR 931 disappeared after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. while en route to Lagos from Benin.
Keyamo said all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved unsuccessful, adding that subsequent information confirmed it crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda and that the wreckage had been located.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board,” Keyamo said.
No Details Yet On Casualties
The minister did not provide further details on the condition or identities of those on board, as search and rescue operations were still ongoing. He noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft were outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
However, Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing rescue efforts.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” he assured.
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