Ondo Crash: 25 Passengers, 7 Crew On Board Military Aircraft – Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the military aircraft that crashed in Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed ownership of the aircraft, stating it was en route to Lagos from Benin, Edo State capital.
In a statement posted on X, Keyamo said he was alerted by Air Traffic Controllers about the disappearance of the aircraft.
“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” the minister 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.”
Keyamo noted that while control and regulation of military aircraft are outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority, he has spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged full cooperation in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
He added that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The crash, which occurred Monday morning, threw the coastal community into panic.
The aircraft is reportedly used for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and air maritime operations.
