Tragedy Strikes Nigeria: Military Aircraft Crashes with 32 Aboard

A military aircraft, identified by its tail number NGR 931, crashed in Ondo State on Monday morning, sparking immediate search and rescue operations. The aircraft was reportedly enroute to Lagos from Benin on a routine mission when it disappeared from radar at approximately 0913 hours. Efforts by Air Traffic Controllers to establish radio contact proved unsuccessful, leading to the confirmation of the crash.

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, shared initial details on the incident via a post on X, confirming that 32 individuals were on board the ill-fated aircraft. Preliminary information indicated that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members.

The wreckage of the military plane has been located close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. As of the latest reports, search and rescue operations are actively underway, though the exact casualty figures remain undetermined.

In his official statement, Mr. Keyamo reiterated the disappearance and subsequent crash, pledging the Ministry of Aviation's full cooperation and assistance to the Nigerian Air Force in their ongoing efforts. He confirmed having spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, emphasizing that while the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the direct authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Civil Aviation Authority, support for the critical search and rescue operations would be provided. Further information regarding this unfortunate incident is expected to be released as it becomes available.