Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirms no survivors were found after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Igbokoda.
Tragedy struck on Monday when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed into a swampy area in Igbokoda, located within the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, while on a routine military mission.
State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed during a media interview that search and rescue teams found no living souls at the disaster site after the military transport plane went down.
According to information published by The Sun Nigeria, the flight disappeared from radar before plunging into the terrain near a local naval base, prompting immediate emergency response efforts.
Tragic Discovery at the Crash Site
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that residents, security personnel, and emergency responders thoroughly searched the crash site but could not find any survivors among the passengers.
Searchers successfully recovered vital parts of the aircraft, including wing wreckage, military identification cards, and uniforms, which helped confirm the military identity of the flight.
The aircraft, bearing tail number NGR 931, was traveling on a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos before the tragic accident occurred in the governor home state.
Passenger Manifest and Radar Disappearance
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo revealed that preliminary information indicated 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The flight abruptly disappeared from radar monitors at approximately 9:13 am on Monday morning before emergency teams located the wreckage near the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda.
Residents living across the river from the naval base reported hearing a loud sound moments before witnessing the military plane plunge directly into the swampy terrain.
Joint Search and Rescue Operations
The Nigerian Air Force quickly activated coordinated search and rescue operations alongside relevant state authorities, local residents, and the Amotekun Corps personnel.
Officials noted that the Nigerian Navy initially maintained a cautious distance to check for potential fires or explosions before advancing safely toward the impact zone.
President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed the Nigerian Air Force to launch an immediate investigation into the exact cause of the devastating military aviation accident.
National Mourning and Official Reactions
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the Ondo aircraft crash as a particularly painful incident, expressing deep sympathy for the dedicated military personnel and their grieving families.
The governor emphasized that the victims were brave officers actively assigned to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, making the sudden tragedy exceptionally sad for the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Ondo aircraft crash?
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the exact cause of the military plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
How many people were aboard the crashed aircraft?
According to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, there were 32 people on board, consisting of 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Were there any survivors found at the crash site?
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed that residents, security personnel, and emergency responders found no survivors at the swampy crash site.
Where did the military aircraft originate and where was it heading?
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission traveling from Benin in Edo State to Lagos before it went down in Ondo State.
