Military Aircraft Crashes Near Ondo Naval Base, 32 on Board

A Nigerian military aircraft carrying 32 people has crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was travelling from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday.

The wreckage was subsequently located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, a coastal community surrounded by swampy terrain.

Preliminary information from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.

The Nigerian Air Force said the aircraft, an ATR-42, was on a routine mission when it crashed, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation.

Local residents reported hearing a loud sound before discovering that an aircraft had gone down in the creek area. The difficult terrain has also posed challenges to access to the crash site.

Security personnel and emergency responders were deployed to the area to support search and rescue efforts.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the crash, with its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, urging residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.

Jimoh said details of the incident were still emerging as authorities worked to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities have not officially confirmed the number of fatalities or provided details on the condition of the 32 people aboard the aircraft.

Search and rescue operations remain ongoing, with relevant security and emergency agencies coordinating efforts at the crash site.