Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the tragic crash of a military aircraft in the southern Ondo State, where 32 people lost their lives.
The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it struck a swamp near the naval base of Igbokoda. Investigators say the plane sank into the water shortly after impact.
Local residents reported that items such as clothes and shoes were found at the site, and smoke was observed rising from the area at the time of the crash.
Speaking after the incident, Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences for the victims and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the disaster. He further directed that all national flags be flown at half‑mast as a mark of respect.
"This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation," Tinubu said, adding, "Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that the aircraft, tail number NGR 931, had been declared missing earlier today at 09:13 UTC. He reported that attempts to contact the plane had been unsuccessful before the crash was confirmed near the Igbokoda naval base.
The aircraft, an ATR‑42, typically carries between 30 and 50 passengers. Official statements indicated that a majority of those aboard were serving military personnel.
The Air Force has pledged to launch an immediate and thorough investigation, seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future. The tragedy ranks among the deadliest air disasters Nigeria has experienced in recent years.
It is not the first such disaster in the country: in May 2021 a tragic crash killed Army Chief Lt‑Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and ten other officers, and earlier that year seven people perished when a military aircraft failed to land safely in Abuja.
