Nigerian military aircraft crashes, killing 32

A Nigerian military aircraft met with a tragic fate on Monday, crashing in southwestern Ondo state, resulting in the loss of 32 lives. President Bola Tinubu, delivering heart-wrenching news of no survivors, conveyed profound sadness and extended condolences to the families of the passengers and crew members. The Chief of Air Staff had briefed the President, prompting him to direct the Nigerian Air Force to launch a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the devastating crash, aimed at averting similar incidents in the future.

The Air Force ATR-42 plane was engaged in a routine journey from Benin City to Lagos when communication with the aircraft was abruptly severed by air traffic controllers at 0813 GMT on Monday. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the unfortunate event. This crash stands as one of the deadliest air disasters Nigeria has witnessed in recent years. The wreckage was subsequently discovered near the coastal town of Igbokoda, where search and rescue teams were promptly dispatched to the scene.