A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off on Monday before crashing into a swampy area in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
A senior air traffic controller said contact with the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was lost at about 9:13am despite efforts to re-establish communication. The Nigerian Air Force said the aircraft was on a routine mission and immediately activated a search-and-rescue operation with relevant authorities.
The aircraft had 32 people on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. While the identities and condition of those on board had not been officially released at the time of the report, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said no survivor had been found. Local fishermen and security personnel were also involved in efforts to access the wreckage in the difficult swampy terrain.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the crash and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into its cause. The aircraft’s black box and other evidence are expected to help investigators determine what led to the crash.
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