BREAKING: Nigerian govt confirms 32 passengers onboard crashed Military Aircraft in Ondo

The Nigerian government has officially announced that a total of 32 individuals were aboard the military aircraft that tragically crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State on Monday. This grim revelation was made in a statement released by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on the same day.

According to Keyamo, Air Traffic Controllers had previously reported the loss of the military aircraft, identified by the tail number NGR 931, while it was in transit from Benin to Lagos. The communication with the crew was severed when the aircraft failed to respond to radio attempts around 9:13am. The Minister expressed his deep regret over the incident, stating that all attempts to establish radio contact with the crew proved futile.

Later, information confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located, and search and rescue operations are currently underway. Initial reports suggest that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board the aircraft.

While the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority, Keyamo has assured the public of his commitment to providing full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. He has also spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to coordinate the response to this unfortunate event. More details regarding this tragedy will be disclosed as they become available.