Hope Ajayi 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A Nigerian military aircraft has reportedly crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with search and rescue teams deployed to the area.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, in the coastal community, triggering panic among residents as emergency responders and security personnel moved towards the reported crash site.
The identity of the aircraft, the number of people on board and their condition had not been independently confirmed at the time of filing.
Ondo State authorities said details of the incident were still emerging and urged residents of Igbokoda and neighbouring communities to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information.
The state government said it would provide updates as credible information became available.
However, emerging reports identified the aircraft as a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 with registration number NGR 931, which reportedly lost radar contact while operating a routine flight from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos.
The circumstances surrounding the reported loss of contact and subsequent crash remained unclear.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigerian Air Force were reported to have confirmed that search and rescue operations were ongoing at the swampy crash site.
Initial reports put the number of people on board at 32, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. However, authorities had yet to provide a definitive account of the occupants or confirm the number of casualties.
Rescue teams and other relevant agencies remained at the scene as efforts continued to locate and assist anyone who may have been on board.
Further information on the aircraft, the cause of the incident and the condition of those on board is expected as the search operation progresses.
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Korede Abdullah