By Mary Izuaka

 

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the crash of a military aircraft in Ondo State.

ThePreview Media had earlier reported that a helicopter crashed in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday morning, throwing residents of the coastal community into panic.

Confirming the incident, Mr Keyamo, in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, said a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931 disappeared while en route Lagos from Benin at 9:13 a.m.

“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,” the minister said.

He said all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.

“Subsequently information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State,” he said.

He stated that the wreckage of the aircraft has been located and that search and rescue operations are ongoing.

According to him, preliminary information suggests that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.

“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board,” he said.

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Mr Keyamo explained that the control and regulation of military aircraft are completely outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the 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.

“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently,” the minister added.