Many people are feared dead after a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, travelling from Benin to Lagos, crashed in the Igbokoda axis of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, on Monday.
The incident has triggered a search and rescue operation as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine the identities of those onboard.
The Ondo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident to journalists in Akure, saying that details were still emerging.
Jimoh urged residents of Igbokoda and surrounding communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while emergency agencies continue their response.
According to the police spokesperson, the public would be provided with further updates once credible information becomes available.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed that authorities had been unable to establish radio contact with the aircraft.
Keyamo said the wreckage had been located and that search and rescue operations were ongoing.
Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members may have been onboard the aircraft, bringing the reported number of people on board to 32.
The minister clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft are outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
However, Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
As of the time of filing this report, the precise identity of the military helicopter and the identities of those onboard had yet to be officially established.
Authorities are expected to release more information as search and rescue efforts continue and the circumstances surrounding the crash become clearer.
What We Know So Far
- A military aircraft with tail number NGR 931 reportedly crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje LGA, Ondo State.
- The aircraft was reportedly travelling from Benin to Lagos.
- The wreckage has reportedly been located.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
- Preliminary information suggests 25 passengers and seven crew members were onboard.
- Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those onboard.
- The Ondo State Police Command has urged the public to avoid circulating unverified reports.
Note: The reported death toll remains unconfirmed by authorities at the time of this report.