Bolatito Mercy
A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State while travelling from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, reportedly lost contact during the journey on Monday, prompting search and rescue efforts.
The Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident and said authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Jimoh urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information while efforts to obtain further details continue.
He assured members of the public that the command would provide additional information as soon as credible details became available.
In a separate statement, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said attempts to establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful.
Keyamo said the wreckage had been located and that search and rescue operations were ongoing.
According to preliminary information, 25 passengers and seven crew members were believed to have been on board the aircraft. However, the identities and condition of those on board had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Keyamo also said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.
He clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Further details are expected as authorities continue the search and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
