Amanze Chinonye
A Nigerian military aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members crashed near a naval base in southwestern Nigeria on Monday, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo said, with search and rescue operations underway, Prime Business Africa reports.
Keyamo said air traffic controllers informed him that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared while en route to Lagos from Benin at about 9:13 a.m. All attempts to re-establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful, he said.
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The aircraft was later confirmed to have crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the wreckage located at the site, Keyamo said.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board,” Keyamo said, bringing the number of people aboard to 32.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the crash and said search and rescue operations were underway. The cause of the crash, as well as the condition of those on board, was not immediately known.
Keyamo said he had spoken with Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance with the search and rescue effort.
He noted that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
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The Ondo State Police Command also confirmed the crash in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, as authorities continued efforts to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Further information on the aircraft and those aboard is expected as search and rescue operations continue.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
