Twenty-five passengers and seven crew members were aboard the military aircraft that crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed.
The aircraft, operated by the Nigerian Air Force, was reportedly travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when contact with air traffic controllers was lost.
Keyamo said he was informed by air traffic controllers after repeated attempts to establish communication with the aircraft proved unsuccessful.
According to the minister, subsequent information confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed around the naval facility in Igbokoda, with its wreckage later located in the area.
He said search and rescue personnel had been deployed and were working to locate and assist those who may have survived the crash.
Keyamo said although military aviation operations fall outside the regulatory responsibilities of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s support for the rescue operation.
The crash triggered panic in Igbokoda and surrounding communities on Monday as residents sought information about the aircraft and those on board.
The minister said more information would be released as authorities obtain clearer details about the crash and the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
