Military Plane Crashes in Nigeria, Killing 32
A military aircraft crashed into a swamp in Nigeria's southern Ondo State, claiming the lives of 32 people, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare three days of national mourning.
A military aircraft crashed into a swamp in Nigeria's southern Ondo State on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of 32 people. Following the tragic incident, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning across the country.
Authorities reported that the plane was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it went down near a naval base. Officials stated that upon reaching the site, the aircraft was found submerged underwater.
Highlights
- The crash occurred on Monday morning in Ondo State, Nigeria.
- A total of 32 people, including 25 passengers and 7 crew members, lost their lives.
- President Bola Tinubu described the incident as a "painful moment" for the armed forces and the nation, declaring three days of national mourning.
- Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
- The aircraft involved was identified as an ATR-42 type.
Details
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, tail number NGR 931, departed from Benin City for Lagos at 09:13 AM. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed receiving information about the aircraft's disappearance and that attempts to establish radio contact were unsuccessful. It was later confirmed to have crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Most of the victims were military personnel, according to the Nigerian Air Force, which has released their names. President Tinubu ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the deceased. He also instructed the Air Force to immediately launch a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Why it matters
This accident marks one of Nigeria's deadliest air disasters in recent years. The Nigerian Air Force plays a crucial role in the country's military operations, including combating armed groups and addressing insecurity. Previous crashes, such as those in 2021 that killed high-ranking military officials, highlight ongoing concerns about military aviation safety and its impact on national security efforts.