Panic spread across Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed near the community’s naval base.
The aircraft was initially reported as a helicopter, but the Nigerian Air Force later identified it as an ATR-42 aircraft operating a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Preliminary information from the Federal Government indicated that 32 people were on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, reportedly lost contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. before its wreckage was located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The crash occurred in a swampy, riverine area, making access to the site difficult. Residents reported hearing a loud sound before the aircraft went down, while emergency and security personnel moved to the area to begin search and rescue efforts.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the crash and said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The command also urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information while authorities work to determine what happened and the condition of those on board.
At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not officially confirmed the number of casualties. However, subsequent reports said all 32 people on board were feared dead, although official confirmation of the fatalities was still developing.
Search and rescue operations involving the Nigerian Air Force and other relevant emergency agencies are continuing as authorities work to recover the victims and determine the cause of the crash.
SEO Title: Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo, 32 People on Board
Meta Description: A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, while flying from Benin to Lagos, with 32 people reportedly on board.
