Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following a military aircraft crash in southern Ondo State that resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed in a swamp near a naval base on Monday morning. Authorities reported that the plane was found submerged in water. A local resident stated that personal items, including clothes and shoes, were discovered at the crash site, with smoke visible in the area.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences for the 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard the aircraft and has mandated a full investigation into the incident. He also ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast in honor of the deceased. "This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation," Tinubu remarked, adding that the sacrifices of Air Force personnel will be remembered.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that he was informed about the disappearance of the military aircraft, identified by tail number NGR 931, which was en route to Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours. Keyamo noted that attempts to contact the aircraft via radio were unsuccessful before the crash was confirmed near the naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing.
The aircraft involved in the crash is an ATR-42, which typically accommodates between 30 and 50 passengers, according to its manufacturers. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed, with authorities stating that names will be released after notifying the families.
The Nigerian Air Force is integral to the country's military operations, particularly in addressing armed groups and security challenges. This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria in recent years, following previous crashes that resulted in significant fatalities, including the May 2021 crash that killed Nigeria's army chief and 10 other officers in Kaduna due to adverse weather conditions.