Thirty-two people are feared dead following the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 operated by the Nigerian military, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda while on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The reported death toll comprises 25 passengers and seven crew members who were on board the aircraft.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier confirmed that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.

Keyamo said Air Traffic Controllers alerted him after the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, disappeared from radar while travelling from Benin to Lagos.

According to him, the aircraft was last in communication at about 9:13am, after which attempts to re-establish contact proved unsuccessful.

He said subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.

Keyamo said the wreckage had been located and search and rescue operations commenced.

The minister, however, noted that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had no regulatory control over military aircraft.

He added that he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s cooperation and assistance in the ongoing rescue efforts.

The Nigerian Air Force also confirmed the incident, saying an ATR-42 aircraft was involved in an accident in the Igbokoda area while carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the force immediately commenced search and rescue operations following the crash.

He said NAF personnel were working with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to locate and assist those involved.

The military did not initially disclose the number of people aboard the aircraft or confirm any casualties.

The cause of the crash remained unknown as of the time of filing this report.

Igbokoda is a riverine community and commercial centre in Ilaje Local Government Area, with the surrounding region known for oil and gas activities and the use of aviation for logistics.