UPDATE: FG confirms 32 passengers on board crashed military helicopter in Ondo

‎The Federal Government has confirmed that a total of 32 people were on board the military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.

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‎The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday.

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‎According to him, Air Traffic Controllers had earlier reported the disappearance of the military aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, while it was en route from Benin to Lagos.

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‎According to him, the aircraft disappeared from radar at about 9:13am after efforts to establish radio communication with the crew proved unsuccessful.

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‎Keyamo statement reads, “I regret to inform the general public that Air Traffic Controllers have informed me of the disappearance of a military aircraft with tail number NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier today. All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.

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‎Subsequently, information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.  The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing. 

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‎“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

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‎“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.

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‎“Further information on this unfortunate incident will be made available subsequently.”

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