ATR-42 Aircraft Crash in Ondo State: 32 People Aboard

An ATR-42 aircraft, tail number NGR 931, carrying 32 individuals, including 25 passengers and 7 crew members, crashed in Ondo State during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos on Monday. The Aviation Minister, Keyamo, reported that air traffic controllers first noted the aircraft's disappearance at 0913 hours, and all attempts to contact the crew by radio failed.

The wreckage was discovered near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the director of public relations and information for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), confirmed the crash site and stated that rescue operations were already in progress.

The NAF activated an immediate search and rescue operation, coordinating efforts with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies. Keyamo communicated with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to ensure full cooperation from his ministry, although he noted that neither his ministry nor the NCAA has control over military aircraft operations.

Further information will be released as the situation develops.