Nigeria: Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning After Military Plane Crash Kills 32
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a three-day national mourning period and a full investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State.
- Tinubu declares three-day national mourning
- Military aircraft crash kills 32 people
- Full investigation ordered into crash
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State that killed all 32 people reportedly on board.
The ATR-42 military aircraft, with 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, while on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.
According to a statement by the President’s Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, flags are to be flown at half-mast nationwide in honour of the victims.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
The President expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It said search and rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies.
However, eyewitnesses at the crash site reportedly said human remains, aircraft parts and personal belongings were found in the swampy area, with some bodies recovered from the water.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on official information and avoid circulating unverified reports as investigations continue.
Officials Mourn Fallen Personnel
Minister of Defence Christopher Musa expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the deaths as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said his ministry was providing support to the ongoing response, while the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also offered technical assistance.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate mobilisation of state emergency and health agencies to support the response and directed that the crash site be secured.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau said it was ready to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian Air Force if requested.
The Peoples Democratic Party also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the crash.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine measures needed to strengthen safety within Nigeria’s military aviation operations.
