A military aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after losing contact while flying toward Lagos.
The aircraft was travelling from Benin when the incident happened on Monday, October 5.
The crash occurred around the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, causing concern among residents.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
It identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and said search and rescue efforts had started.
The aircraft reportedly had 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard.
That brings the reported number of people on board to 32, although their identities were not immediately released.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo also confirmed the crash.
He said efforts to contact the aircraft by radio were unsuccessful before the wreckage was located.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing”, Keyamo added.
The minister said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.
However, authorities had not confirmed the condition of those aboard as rescue efforts continued.
Ondo State Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh urged residents to remain calm.
Jimoh also warned against sharing information that had not been confirmed by authorities.
“The Command urges members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information.”
The Ondo military aircraft crash has therefore triggered an ongoing search and rescue operation.
The Nigerian Air Force said further details would be released as more information becomes available.
