Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Nigerian Air Force has commenced a search and rescue operation following the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.

The NAF said its search and rescue teams were working with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to locate the aircraft and determine the status of those on board.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the Air Force was committed to supporting the ongoing operation and ensuring that all necessary resources were deployed to the search and rescue effort.

“Search and rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing,” the statement said.

The NAF said further information on the incident would be released as the operation progresses.

The number of people on board and their condition had not been officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report.