A military transport plane operated by the Nigerian Air Force went down in Ondo State in the southern part of the country during a routine flight, resulting in the deaths of all individuals on board. The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42 model, was traveling from Benin City to Lagos when it encountered difficulties and crashed into a swamp near a naval installation. The aircraft subsequently became submerged in water at the crash site.
President Bola Tinubu responded to the incident by declaring a three-day period of national mourning. He issued condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members who perished in the accident. The president also directed that national flags be displayed at half-mast throughout the country as a tribute to those who lost their lives. Tinubu characterized the event as a significant moment of loss for both the military and the nation as a whole, acknowledging the risks undertaken by Air Force personnel in their service to the country.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo provided initial details about the incident, noting that contact with the aircraft, designated with tail number NGR 931, was lost during its flight. Radio communication attempts proved unsuccessful, and the plane was subsequently confirmed to have crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda. Search and rescue operations were initiated following the discovery of the wreckage.
The president directed the Nigerian Air Force to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash with the goal of identifying contributing factors and preventing similar occurrences in the future. Authorities indicated that the identities of those killed would be released after family members had been notified of the deaths. This incident represents one of the most severe aviation disasters to occur in Nigeria in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges within the country’s aviation and military operations.
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