A senior air traffic controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey told PUNCH that communication with the aircraft was established shortly after take-off but was lost at about 9:13am. Attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful, while personnel at reporting points around Okitipupa later reported hearing a loud bang believed to have been the crash.
The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, according to preliminary information released by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that it was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and said search-and-rescue operations had been activated.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda. Local officials and residents reported that wreckage and personal belongings were recovered from the scene. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said no survivor had been found during the initial search, although the condition of those on board remained subject to official confirmation at the time of the report.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau also said the incident falls outside its statutory mandate because it involved a military aircraft, unless it is formally invited by the military authority.
The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Authorities are expected to provide further information as recovery and investigation efforts continue.
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A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ondo State. A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin City to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.A...
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- A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin City to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.A senior air traffic controller familiar with the aircraft’s final journey told PUNCH that communication with the aircraft was established shortly after take-off but was lost at about 9:13am.
- Attempts to re-establish contact were unsuccessful, while personnel at reporting points around Okitipupa later reported hearing a loud bang believed to have been the crash.The aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, according to preliminary information released by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo.
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A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ondo State. A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft travelling from Benin City to Lagos disappeared from radar shortly after take-off before crashing into a swamp in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.A...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 6, 2026
