A military aircraft bearing the tail number NGR 931 crashed on Monday in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, and several people are thought to be dead. According to reports, the plane was travelling from Benin to Lagos. While confirming the event, the Ondo State Police Command stated that the complete circumstances are still being determined.
Journalists in Akure, the state capital, were informed of the incident by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson. Details, he said, were still being revealed. The story that follows is based on remarks made by the police and the Minister of Aviation, which were initially reported by Channels Television.
Preliminary information suggests 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, a total of 32 people. The report said the identity of the aircraft and of those onboard had not been ascertained at the time of publication. No official casualty figure has been released, and the phrase “feared dead” reflects the absence of confirmation rather than a verified toll.
Contact Lost, Wreckage Located
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said in a statement that all attempts to reach the aircraft by radio failed. He added that the wreckage has since been located and that search and rescue operations are under way.
Keyamo said he spoke with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the full cooperation of his ministry in the rescue effort. He also noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Investigation of the crash and the release of official details would therefore rest with the military.
Jimoh urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and to avoid sharing unverified information. He said the public would be informed as soon as credible information became available.
The next developments are likely to be an official statement from the Nigerian Air Force or the Defence Headquarters, a confirmed list of those onboard, an update on survivors and recoveries, and the start of an inquiry into the cause. This story is developing and will be updated as verified details emerge.
Source: Channels Television