The Federal Government has confirmed that total of 32 people were on board a military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda area of Ondo State, on Monday.
This was disclosed in statement issued by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday.
According to him, Air Traffic Controllers had earlier reported disappearance of military aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, while it was en route from Benin to Lagos.
According to him, the aircraft disappeared from radar at about 9:13am after efforts to establish radio communication with crew proved unsuccessful.
His statement reads: “I regret to inform general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of disappearance of military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise aircraft on radio proved abortive.
“Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that military aircraft had crashed close to Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. 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 control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside authority of Ministry of Aviation, and Civil Aviation Authority, I have just spoken to Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged our total cooperation and assistance in search and rescue efforts ongoing.
“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently.”
