32 Feared Dead as Military Aircraft Crashes Near Igbokoda

Panic and grief have gripped Igbokoda in Ondo State following the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft carrying 32 people, with sources reporting that all passengers and crew members may have been killed.

The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, while travelling from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The aircraft reportedly lost communication with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m., after which frantic efforts to re-establish contact proved unsuccessful.

The wreckage was subsequently located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, triggering an emergency response involving military personnel and other relevant authorities.

While official authorities initially announced search-and-rescue operations and had yet to release a confirmed casualty figure, sources cited by SaharaReporters said all 32 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.

The development has sent shock waves across Igbokoda and surrounding communities, with residents anxiously awaiting an official account of the tragedy.

The aircraft was reportedly being used for military operations including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as air maritime operations.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has been contacted over the incident, while the Ministry of Aviation has pledged its cooperation with the ongoing response.

Authorities are expected to provide further details on the identities of the victims, the circumstances surrounding the crash and the official casualty figure as the investigation progresses.