By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has confirmed that 32 people were onboard the military aircraft that crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Keyamo disclosed this on Monday following reports that air traffic controllers had lost contact with the aircraft while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos.
He said the aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13am after attempts to establish radio communication with the crew failed.
“I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.
He said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with the wreckage located at the site.
“Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing,” he added.
According to the minister, preliminary information showed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were onboard, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32.
Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Ministry of Aviation’s cooperation with ongoing search and rescue efforts.
He clarified that the regulation and control of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.
“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,” he said.
The minister said further information on the crash would be released as it becomes available.
Leave a Reply