Military plane crash in Nigeria leaves 32 dead
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in southwestern Ondo State while travelling from Benin City to Lagos, killing all 32 people on board. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed near the coastal town of Igbokoda.
The aircraft was on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said contact with the aircraft was lost at 08:13 GMT on Monday.
The loss of contact triggered an immediate search for the aircraft. Its wreckage was later located near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Wreckage found near Igbokoda
Search and rescue teams were deployed after authorities confirmed that the aircraft had crashed. The wreckage was found in the Igbokoda area, where emergency teams began operations at the crash site.
Igbokoda is located in the coastal part of Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria. The location of the crash made the rescue operation more challenging, with authorities working to reach and secure the site.
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed that there were no survivors among those aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian government has begun efforts to support the families of those who died in the crash.
Tinubu orders investigation into crash
President Tinubu expressed “profound sadness” over the incident and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The investigation will seek to determine what caused the aircraft to go down during its routine mission. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the crash.
The probe is also expected to examine the aircraft’s final movements, communications and other available evidence. Tinubu said the investigation was necessary to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
One of Nigeria’s deadliest recent air disasters
The crash is among the deadliest aviation accidents in Nigeria in recent years. The loss of 32 lives has caused widespread concern and mourning across the country. The aircraft was operated by the Nigerian Air Force and was carrying military personnel and passengers on a routine mission.
The flight was a routine mission between Benin City and Lagos, rather than a combat operation. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Officials are expected to provide more information as investigators examine the wreckage and other evidence.
What happened before the crash?
According to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at 08:13 GMT.
The ATR-42 had been travelling from Benin City towards Lagos at the time. Repeated efforts to establish contact with the aircraft failed before authorities received information that it had crashed.
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The wreckage was subsequently located near Igbokoda. Search and rescue teams were then sent to the area. The sequence of events is now expected to form a key part of the investigation into the accident.
Families await further details
The deaths have left the families of the passengers and crew members facing a major loss. Authorities are expected to provide further information about the victims as their families are notified.
The Nigerian Air Force has also been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials will need to establish whether the accident was linked to a technical problem, weather conditions, human factors, or another cause.
No official conclusion has been announced so far. Investigators will therefore need time to examine the evidence before determining what caused the aircraft to crash.
Nigeria declares national mourning
President Tinubu later declared a three-day national mourning period for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash. He also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the victims.
The decision reflects the scale of the tragedy and the loss suffered by the Nigerian Armed Forces. The government has also expressed support for the Nigerian Air Force and the families affected by the crash.
Investigation will determine cause
The immediate priority is now to determine why the Nigerian military aircraft crashed. Investigators are expected to examine the wreckage and available flight information.
They may also review communication records between the aircraft and air traffic controllers before contact was lost. The exact cause remains unknown at this stage.
Officials have urged patience while the investigation is carried out. A detailed inquiry could provide important information about the aircraft’s final moments and help authorities identify measures to prevent similar accidents.
