Mystery Deepens As NGR 931 Disappears From Radar Before Fatal Ondo Crash

A senior air traffic controller has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, saying the aircraft disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Benin City, Edo State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the aircraft, identified as NGR 931, was travelling from Benin City towards Lagos when air traffic controllers lost communication with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday.

The unnamed senior air traffic controller, who spoke on the incident, said communication with the aircraft was initially established shortly after take-off before it suddenly disappeared from radar. Attempts to re-establish contact were reportedly unsuccessful.

The source said personnel at reporting points in Okitipupa later heard a loud bang believed to have been the sound of the aircraft crashing in the swampy area of Igbokoda.

The controller described the loss of communication and the aircraft’s disappearance from radar as unusual, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incident would become clearer as search-and-rescue and recovery operations progressed.

Meanwhile, residents in the area provided accounts of the crash and the immediate response to the incident.

A resident identified simply as Sola said the incident occurred while it was drizzling, adding that residents heard a loud sound from the direction of the crash site but were unable to approach the area because of its difficult swampy terrain.

According to the resident, police and military personnel later arrived at the scene to commence rescue efforts, with local fishermen also assisting in the operation.

Sola said that, as of the time of his account, no occupant had been brought out of the wreckage, while the aircraft remained trapped in the swamp.

Another eyewitness said the rescue operation was being hampered by the location of the crash, noting that the aircraft had entered the swamp with significant force.

The eyewitness said military personnel and local fishermen were working together at the scene but were facing difficulties removing the wreckage from the creek.

The circumstances that led to the aircraft’s disappearance from radar and subsequent crash remain subject to investigation as authorities continue search, rescue and recovery operations.