Thirty-two persons are feared dead after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, was en route Lagos from Benin when it disappeared from radar.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident, saying Air Traffic Controllers alerted him at about 9:13am.
He said all efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive.
Subsequent information confirmed the aircraft crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
Keyamo said preliminary information showed 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, making 32 persons.
The Nigerian Air Force, through its spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was on routine mission and Search and Rescue operation has commenced.
Wreckage has been located and rescue operation is ongoing. Authorities are yet to officially confirm casualty figures.
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