25 Passengers and 7 Crew Members on Board Nigerian Air Force Helicopter That Crashed
Nigerian military authorities and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development have confirmed that 25 passengers and 7 crew members were on board the helicopter that crashed in Igbokoda, a riverine community in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In an official statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the aircraft belonged to the military.
The helicopter was executing a routine mission from Benin when the incident occurred.
“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” Ejodame stated.
The Air Force assured the public that updates regarding casualties and the cause of the accident will be communicated in due course.
Aviation Minister Provides Flight Details
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, provided further details regarding the flight timeline and aircraft identity. The aircraft tail number was given as NGR 931, and the logged flight route was from Benin to Lagos.
It reportedly disappeared around 09:13 AM, after losing radio contact.
“Subsequently, information 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,” Keyamo said. Adding, “Preliminary information suggests that there were 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.”
Inter-Agency Collaboration
While the control and regulation of military aircraft fall completely outside the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority, Keyamo confirmed he has spoken directly with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
The Ministry of Aviation has pledged its full cooperation and technical assistance to support the ongoing military search and rescue efforts.
Further updates on the incident are expected as the investigation continues.
