The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation by the NAF and other emergency agencies.
The confirmation ended early uncertainty over the ownership and mission of the aircraft after residents reported seeing an aircraft crash in the area.
The NAF confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the military and that it was an ATR-42 on its way from Benin to Lagos.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on a routine mission when the accident occurred.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred,” he said.
Ejodame added that search-and-rescue operations were being conducted with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” he said.
He said the NAF was committed to the success of the operation, adding that further details would be released as they became available.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the crash, saying air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13am.
According to Keyamo, efforts to re-establish radio contact with the aircraft failed before authorities received information that it had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
He said the wreckage had been located, but the condition and identities of those on board were yet to be established as the rescue operation continued.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” Keyamo said.
The minister said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation’s full cooperation and assistance to the rescue operation.
He, however, clarified that military aircraft were outside the regulatory authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The cause of the crash had not been established as of Monday afternoon.
Keyamo said further details would be released as the operation progressed.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” he said.
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