Nigeria's President Declares 3 Days of Mourning After Military Plane Crash Kills 32
President Bola Tinubu ordered a full investigation into the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft that occurred during a routine mission in southern Ondo State.
Nigeria is observing three days of national mourning following the crash of a military aircraft in the southern Ondo State, which resulted in the deaths of 32 people. President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences for the 25 passengers and seven crew members aboard the plane, which was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when it went down near a naval base on Monday morning.
Tinubu has ordered national flags to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the victims. "This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation," he stated. "Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar after departing Benin City at 09:13 hours. Efforts to contact the aircraft via radio were unsuccessful before confirmation of its crash near Igbokoda, Ondo State. Search and rescue operations were initiated, though the extent of the crash site, described by a resident as near a swamp, complicated efforts. Debris including clothing and shoes were found at the location, with smoke visible from the area.
The Nigerian Air Force plays a critical role in the nation's military operations, including efforts to combat armed groups and insecurity across various regions. The ATR-42 aircraft typically carries between 30 and 50 passengers, according to manufacturer specifications.
President Tinubu has directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. The identities of the deceased will be released after their families have been notified.
This incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria in recent years. In May 2021, Nigeria's then-army chief, Lt-Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, died in a plane crash with 10 other officers in Kaduna State. In February of the same year, seven individuals perished when a military plane crashed short of the runway in the capital, Abuja.