In brief
A military ATR‑42 aircraft on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos crashed into a swamp near a naval base in Ondo State, killing all 32 on board. President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags at half‑mast, and announced a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. The crash adds to a series of deadly air disasters involving Nigerian military aircraft in recent years.
Nigeria has announced a state of mourning following a tragic crash of a military aircraft.
The accident took place on Monday morning when an ATR‑42, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, lost contact and crashed into a swamp close to a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Witnesses reported clothes, shoes and rising smoke at the scene, while officials confirmed the aircraft was submerged in water after reaching the site.
President Bola Tinubu declared a three‑day period of national mourning. Flags across the country were flown at half‑mast and the President expressed his deepest condolences, saying the loss would be remembered by the nation and the Armed Forces.
Air‑Force Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the disappearance of the aircraft (tail number NGR 931) at 9:13 am and noted that rescue and investigation efforts had been launched immediately.
The ATR‑42 can carry 30–50 passengers, and most of those on board were military personnel, as released by the Nigerian Air Force.
Tinubu ordered an immediate, thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to help prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident is one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria’s recent history, following the 2021 crashes that killed the army chief and a group of officers.
The Nigerian Air Force, which plays a key role in national security and anti‑insurgency operations, has pledged to review operational procedures.
