A tragic aircraft crash occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 32 Nigerian Air Force personnel. The incident involved an ATR-42 aircraft that was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the deceased officers and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect. In a statement, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, saying that the sacrifice of the personnel will never be forgotten. He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that preliminary information indicated 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft. The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, disappeared from radar at about 9:13am before its wreckage was located near a naval base. Keyamo also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation after the crash.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condoled with the Nigerian Air Force and families of the victims of the crash. In a statement, the party's National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, expressed sadness over the crash, saying the loss of the service personnel was painful. The party called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died.
The crashed aircraft, an ATR-42-500MP Maritime Patrol aircraft, was delivered to the Federal Government in 2010 under the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. The aircraft was part of a $73 million contract signed in March 2007 under the Olusegun Obasanjo administration for two ATR-42MP aircraft, including crew training, logistics, and spare parts. Nigeria became the first export customer for the type.
Residents who formed a search and rescue party have disclosed that they only found wreckage of the jet at the scene of the incident. They said the aircraft drowned alongside its occupants in the swampy riverine area opposite the Naval Base in Igbokoda. A video of the search mission showed shoes, clothes, and other items belonging to the victims of the crash.
President Tinubu has extended condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the incident. Other prominent Nigerians have also expressed grief over the tragic incident. The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that the ATR-42 was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and said it had activated search and rescue operations following the accident.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu declares three days of national mourning for the deceased officers.
- The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
- The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos with 32 personnel on board.
