Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
Chronicle NG had reported that the aircraft crashed near the naval base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) later confirmed ownership of the aircraft, saying it was en route to Lagos from Benin, the Edo State capital.
Aircraft Lost Contact With Air Traffic Controllers
Keyamo, in a statement posted on X, said he was informed by air traffic controllers that the aircraft had disappeared.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.
“Subsequently, information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
“Whilst the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in the search and rescue efforts ongoing.”
The minister said further information would be provided as it becomes available.
Crash Causes Panic In Igbokoda
The crash caused panic among residents of the coastal community on Monday morning, with the aircraft coming down in a swampy area close to the naval base.
The aircraft is reportedly used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as air maritime operations.
