25 passengers, seven crew members aboard crashed NAF aircraft – Keyamo

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft which crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday morning.

According to Keyamo the aircraft, an ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when crashed in Ondo State.

The Minister said the aircraft disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m and attempt by air traffic controllers to re-establish radio communication with it were unsuccessful.

He added that information later emerged that the aircraft had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.

The Minister said said the wreckage had subsequently been located with preliminary information indicating that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard.

However, he did not disclose the identities or conditions of those on board as he assured that as search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.

Keyamo said said the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority did not regulate or control military aircraft.

But he assured that the ministry would provide full cooperation and assistance to the ongoing rescue operation.

He also said that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, over the incident.

Also, Director of Public Relations and Information of Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed the crash of the aircraft.

According to Ejodame, the aircraft was conducting a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

He added that the Navy had immediately activated search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies following the incident.

“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing search and rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course,” Ejodame said.

The Ondo Police Command and community leaders in Igbokodo had had earlier confirmed the crash of the aircraft.