The Nigerian government has provided an update following the military aircraft crash reported in Ondo State on Monday morning.
According to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the aircraft was travelling from Benin to Lagos when communication with air traffic controllers was lost.
The minister said contact with the aircraft was lost at approximately 9:13 a.m. Attempts to establish communication with the crew were unsuccessful.
The aircraft was later located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, where authorities began search and rescue operations.
Initial reports indicated that 32 people were aboard the aircraft, including 25 passengers and seven crew members.
At the time of the government’s update, officials had not provided a confirmed figure on the number of casualties. Authorities were still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the crash and the condition of everyone who was on board.
Keyamo said he had spoken with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and assured the Nigerian military of the aviation ministry’s support as emergency teams continued responding to the incident.
Officials are expected to provide further information as the investigation and rescue efforts continue.
Source: https://www.tuko.co.ke/world/africa/642087-nigeria-govt-shares-update-military-chopper-crash-32-people-onboard/