A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a swampy area in Ondo state on Monday morning, killing all 32 people on board. President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast. The plane was en route from Benin City to Lagos when it went down.
The crash represents a significant loss for Nigeria's military personnel and highlights ongoing security challenges in the country. The loss of life and the subsequent investigation underscore the risks faced by armed forces personnel and the importance of aviation safety in military operations.
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a swampy area in southern Ondo State on Monday morning, killing all 32 people on board. President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast.
The plane was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it came down near a naval base in Igbokoda. Authorities confirmed the crash after efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive. A resident described seeing smoke rising from the crash site near a swamp, with clothes and shoes found at the scene.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members, stating, "This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation." He ordered a full investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future incidents.
The ATR-42 aircraft typically carries between 30 and 50 passengers. The Nigerian Air Force plays a crucial role in the country's military operations, including efforts to combat armed groups and insecurity. This accident is one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria in recent years, with previous incidents including a 2021 crash that killed the army chief and 10 other officers, and another in February 2021 that resulted in seven fatalities.
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