32 people aboard crashed NAF aircraft, says Aviation Minister
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo says 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the military aircraft that crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo on Monday.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed ownership of the plane, saying it was on routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The aviation minister, in a statement posted on X, said he was informed of the disappearance of the aircraft by air traffic controllers.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” Keyamo said.
“Subsequently, information however confirmed that the military aircraft has crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
“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.”
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