A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft has crashed near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with 32 people confirmed to have been on board. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed grief over the incident and ordered a thorough investigation into the crash.
Key Highlights
- A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State.
- The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 32.
- Air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m.
- The aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when contact was lost.
- The wreckage was later located near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda.
- The Air Force initially activated a search-and-rescue operation following the crash.
- President Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
- The official identities of those on board have not yet been released.
- No official casualty breakdown had been issued by the Nigerian Air Force as of Monday evening.
NAF ATR-42 Crashes Near Igbokoda Naval Base
The aircraft, identified by its tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said air traffic controllers lost communication with the aircraft at approximately 9:13 a.m.
According to the minister, attempts to re-establish contact with the crew by radio were unsuccessful before information emerged that the aircraft had crashed near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda.
Keyamo said preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.
Nigerian Air Force Confirms ATR-42 Accident
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft involved was one of its aircraft.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the ATR-42 was conducting a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday, October 5.
The Air Force said an immediate search-and-rescue operation was activated in collaboration with relevant agencies.
The service also clarified early reports from the area that had incorrectly described the aircraft as a helicopter.
At the time of its initial statement, the Nigerian Air Force did not provide a casualty figure or release the identities of those on board.
Wreckage Located in Ondo State
The wreckage of the aircraft was subsequently located close to the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash in the Igbokoda axis, saying details were still emerging.
Some reports from the area indicated that the aircraft may have impacted near a waterlogged area around Larada in Ilaje, although further details concerning the exact circumstances of the crash were still being established.
Reports Emerge on Possible Casualties
Reports emerged later in the day claiming that all 32 people aboard the aircraft were believed to have died.
However, the Nigerian Air Force had not officially released a final casualty figure in its initial statement.
The reported figure therefore remains subject to official confirmation pending the outcome of the recovery and identification process.
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Tinubu Orders Investigation Into NAF Aircraft Crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to the families of the passengers and crew members, as well as to Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
Tinubu said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Air Force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The President said the investigation should help establish what caused the accident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He also commended the search-and-rescue teams, first responders and the Ondo State Government for their efforts following the crash.
Cause of NAF ATR-42 Crash Yet to Be Established
The cause of the NAF ATR-42 crash in Ondo State remains unknown.
Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff and assured the military of the ministry’s support.
The minister also explained that military aviation operations fall outside the direct regulatory control of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
No official explanation has yet been provided regarding why the aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers.
Identities of Those on Board Not Released
As of Monday evening, the identities of the passengers and crew members aboard the aircraft had not been officially released.
The confirmed information remains that the aircraft was an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian Air Force, with tail number NGR 931, and was travelling from Benin to Lagos when contact was lost at about 9:13 a.m.
The wreckage was subsequently located near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda.
Further details on the casualties, identities of those on board and the cause of the crash are expected as the investigation and recovery operations continue.
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