A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with 32 people on board, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has confirmed.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
The crash occurred in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Initial reports said residents were trying to establish the exact location of the aircraft after hearing about the incident.
The development adds to recent concerns over safety incidents across Nigeria. Readers can also see Six Die in Benue Boat Mishap Despite Government Safety Measures for another recent accident report.
NAF Confirms ATR-42 Aircraft Crash
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. He said the service immediately activated search and rescue operations after the accident.
According to the Air Force, the rescue operation involved relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. The service initially did not release information about casualties or the condition of those on board.
The aircraft carried registration number NGR 931. Authorities later located the wreckage close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
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Aircraft Lost Contact at 9:13 a.m.
Keyamo said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m.
He said the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when attempts to reach it by radio failed. Subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The minister said the wreckage was located as search and rescue operations continued.
Keyamo also disclosed that preliminary information showed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board. That brought the total number of people aboard the aircraft to 32.
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Aviation Ministry Offers Support
Keyamo clarified that military aircraft do not fall under the regulatory control of his ministry or the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
He said the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development was nevertheless ready to assist the Nigerian Air Force with the rescue efforts.
Keyamo also said he had spoken with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. He pledged the ministry’s cooperation as authorities responded to the crash.
The minister said further information would be released as authorities obtained more details about the incident.
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Ondo Government Supports Rescue Efforts
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed state agencies to support the search and rescue operation.
The governor ordered the State Emergency Management Agency and Ministry of Health to provide logistical and human resources. Security agencies were also directed to assist authorities at the crash site.
Aiyedatiwa also directed authorities to secure and cordon off the area. He urged residents to cooperate with emergency responders and avoid spreading unverified information.
The state government said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates based on information from the Air Force.
The response also highlights the importance of coordinated emergency action during major accidents. Readers can see Niger Miners’ Deaths: Survivors Recount Suffocation Inside NSCDC Custody for another recent emergency-related report.
President Tinubu Orders Investigation
President Bola Tinubu later expressed sadness over the crash and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Presidency said the President extended condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members. It also said Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents.
Tinubu also commended the NAF for activating a search and rescue operation after the accident. He praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
The Presidency described the incident as a painful moment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces. It also acknowledged the sacrifices made by military personnel in the course of their duties.
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Investigation to Determine Cause of Crash
The cause of the aircraft crash had not been established in the initial reports.
The NAF said the aircraft was on a routine mission when the accident occurred. Authorities had yet to release a detailed account of what caused the aircraft to lose contact before the crash.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau also indicated that it could only investigate the incident if formally invited by the military. The distinction reflects the separate regulatory responsibilities surrounding military aviation.
Further findings from the investigation are expected to provide more information about the aircraft’s final moments and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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NAF Aircraft Crash Raises Safety Questions
The Igbokoda crash has drawn attention to the risks associated with military aviation operations.
The ATR-42 involved in the incident was reportedly carrying both passengers and crew during the routine mission to Lagos. Authorities are expected to examine the aircraft, flight operations and other relevant factors as part of the investigation.
The investigation will also help establish the sequence of events after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m.
The authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations continue. This is particularly important because early reports about major accidents can change as officials establish the facts.
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What We Know About the Ondo NAF Crash
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft was an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931. It was travelling from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it.
The aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. Keyamo said 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
NAF activated search and rescue operations after the crash. The Ondo State Government also deployed agencies to support the emergency response.
President Tinubu subsequently ordered a thorough investigation into the crash. The Presidency also expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.
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