The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, Hon. Kabiru Usman Alhassan, has expressed deep sadness and concern over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo, urging Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Hon. Alhassan, in a solidarity message made available to Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja, said the incident was unfortunate and distressing, particularly as the fate of those on board was initially unknown.
He said his thoughts and prayers were with the passengers, crew members, their families and loved ones at what he described as a difficult moment. ALSO READ: New Army formations operationalised in Oyo, Osun, Zamfara, Kebbi —Tinubu The aircraft, identified by the NAF as an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday. The Air Force said it immediately activated search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
According to preliminary information released by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, bringing the total number of persons aboard to 32. Air Traffic Controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was en route to Lagos. The wreckage was subsequently located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with emergency personnel and security agencies deployed to the area.
Initial official statements did not immediately disclose casualty figures as rescue operations continued. While commending the Nigerian Air Force, security agencies, emergency responders and other personnel involved in the operation for their prompt response, Hon. Alhassan averred that their efforts were crucial in the race to locate and assist those on board. “I commend the Nigerian Air Force, security agencies, emergency responders and all those involved in the ongoing rescue operation for their prompt response,” the lawmaker said, while expressing hope that those aboard the aircraft would be found safe.
He also called on members of the public to avoid panic and allow the relevant authorities to conduct the rescue and recovery operations without interference, stressing the need for calm, prayer and hope at a moment of heightened anxiety. As investigations and recovery operations proceed, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has indicated that, because the aircraft was military-operated, the NAF has responsibility for the investigation under the applicable legal framework, while the bureau has offered technical support if formally invited.
The ATR-42 involved in the incident is among aircraft operated by the NAF for maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, making the crash a significant incident for Nigeria's military aviation community.
