32 trapped as military aircraft crashes in Ondo State

The Federal Government has confirmedthat 32 people, 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the military aircraft that crashed into a riverine community in Igbokoda, Ondo State on Monday morning.

Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), provided the update after earlier reports of the crash. The aircraft, an ATR-42 turboprop identified with registration number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at 9:13 a.m. during a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.

Air traffic controllers immediately alerted authorities after multiple attempts to establish radio contact with the flight crew failed.

The aircraft was later found crashed near the Nigerian Naval Base in Igbokoda, a swampy creek area of Ilaje Local Government Area in Ondo State. While early reports from residents suspected a helicopter crash, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) later confirmed it was a twin-engine military transport plane.

Minister Keyamo explained the timeline and assured the public of government support.

“While the control and regulation of Keyamomilitary aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation,” keyamo.

Rescue teams, including local security units, naval personnel, and emergency agencies, have located the wreckage and are currently navigating the riverine terrain to recover victims. Authorities say details on casualties will be shared as the operation progresses.