AKURE
32 persons have lost their lives as a ATR-42 military plane travelling from Benin crashed into a swamp opposite the Naval Base at Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which crashed in the early hours of yesterday, had on board airmen, soldiers and their family members.
Sources disclosed that some of the family members include children who were returning to school, and other family members who had visited their bread-winners serving in Edo and Delta states.
According to sources, the turbo-prop aircraft was on a logistics mission to Lagos for NAF operations and afforded families, particularly of military personnel the opportunity to be flown to Lagos.
It was learned yesterday that the difficulty in releasing the names of the dead passengers from military authorities stemmed from the fact that civilian passengers were onboard, with efforts ongoing to reach out to them first.
While mourning victims of the crash, President Bola Tinubu, also yesterday ordered immediate investigation into the crash.
He declared a three-day national mourning for the victims and directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.
Confirming the crash in a telephone interview, the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area, Mr. Maurice Oripelaye, said military gear had been recovered from the crash site.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Sadare, the LG chairman said: “Our findings showed that it was poor weather condition that affected the pilot.
“He was trying to maneuver, but the poor weather condition affected the pilot. It crashed into a swampy area very close to the water, along the swampy area, at the back of Naval Base.
Also, the state police spokesperson, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, who also confirmed the crash, said: “Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, as efforts to establish the full circumstances continue.
“The command urges members of the public, particularly residents of Igbokoda and adjoining communities, to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information. The public will be duly informed as soon as further credible information becomes available.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, said it had activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation on the crash.
NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement: “The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
“NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
The NAF spokesperson did not, however, disclose the number of casualties.
However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that 32 persons, including 25 passengers and seven crew members died in the crash.
Keyamo said the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was Lagos bound from Benin when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am.
The minister, who disclosed on his X page, stated, “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.
“Subsequently information, however, confirmed that the military aircraft crashed close to the Naval Base at Igbokoda, Ondo State. The wreckage has been located and search and rescue operations are ongoing.
“Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. While 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.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the accident. In a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The President extended his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation, following the accident..
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State government at the crash site,” Tinubu said.
