By Our Reporter

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, says 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the military aircraft that crashed in Ondo state.

The aircraft crashed close to the naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo on Monday.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed ownership of the plane, saying it was en route to Lagos from Benin, the Edo state capital.

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.”

The minister added that further information will be provided when available.

It was earlier reported that the crash caused panic among residents of the coastal community on Monday morning.

The aircraft is used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as air maritime operations

By Our Reporter

A suspected military helicopter has crashed in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with personnel on board feared dead.

The helicopter reportedly crashed on Monday morning in swampy terrain opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda, throwing residents of the coastal community into panic.

The identity of the aircraft and the number of personnel on board had yet to be officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, although military gear was reportedly recovered from the crash site.

Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr Maurice Oripelaye, who confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with journalists, said the helicopter had been burnt beyond recognition.

“We have confirmed that a helicopter crashed in the area, but we cannot ascertain the number of people that were on board yet. Military gear was found at the scene, but the helicopter had burnt to rubble,” Oripelaye said.

Sources said the aircraft came down in a swampy area opposite the Naval Base, while efforts were ongoing to secure the scene and determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Residents and witnesses were said to have gathered around the area as relevant authorities began assessing the crash site.

The helicopter’s origin, destination and nature remained unclear as of press time, while there had been no official statement from the military or other relevant authorities confirming the identity of the aircraft.

The number and identities of those on board also remained unconfirmed, with authorities expected to provide further details as assessment of the crash site continues