32 persons feared dead as FG confirms aircraft crash in Ondo community

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed a Nigerian Air Force aircraft, NGR 931, with 32 persons onboard.

He said the aircraft crashed in Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Council of Ondo State in the South South Nigeria, after it disappeared on a Benin-to-Lagos flight at about 9:13 a.m.

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Keyamo said the aircraft controllers lost radio contact, and its wreckage was discovered near a Naval Base.

In a statement Monday, the Minister said he spoke with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to offer support for the search and rescue operations.

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He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, was flying from Benin to Lagos on Monday before the accident occurred.

He said the authorities were later informed that the aircraft had crashed and that the wreckage had been located.

“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” the minister said.

The minister explained that the control and regulation of military aircraft do not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development or the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). NigeriaTravel Guides

He, however, said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over the incident.

Keyamo said the ministry would provide its “total cooperation and assistance” to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.

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