Nigeria has initiated a search-and-rescue mission after a military aircraft carrying 32 individuals went down in Ondo state in the country’s southwest region. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the wreckage of the plane was located on Monday near the naval base in Igbokoda.
The ATR-42 aircraft vanished from radar while en route from Benin to Lagos. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the flight at 09:13 local time (0813 GMT), and subsequent attempts to re-establish radio communication were unsuccessful.
In a statement shared on social media, Keyamo stated, “The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.” He revealed that preliminary reports indicate 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the plane.
The Nigerian Air Force described the flight as a routine trip to Lagos. Rescue teams have already been dispatched to the crash site. Keyamo also noted that he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the Aviation Ministry’s full cooperation and assistance to the relief effort.
Authorities have not yet verified any casualties, and the extent of the damage to the aircraft remains unclear.
Routine flight? Really? I find that hard to believe. Hopefully, the investigation uncovers the real cause this time.
Is it just me, or do these military accidents happen more often now? We need better maintenance checks, not just prayers.
That’s terrifying. Vanishing from radar like that? I hope the terrain isn’t making rescue too difficult for them.
Praying for all 32 souls aboard. Please God, let there be survivors. Nigeria is with Ondo State in this moment.