Nigeria declares three days of mourning after military plane crash kills 32

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has decreed three days of national mourning following a catastrophic military aircraft crash in Ondo State, which left 32 people dead. This incident marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Nigerian history. The military plane, performing a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos, tragically crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda on Monday morning.

Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke billowing from the crash site and scattered personal items around a nearby swamp. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier reported the aircraft's disappearance en route, stating efforts to contact the plane via radio had been unsuccessful. Immediate search and rescue operations commenced upon confirmation of the crash.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 model capable of carrying 30 to 50 passengers, was operated by the Nigerian Air Force. President Tinubu requested that all national flags be flown at half-mast, offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and 7 crew members who lost their lives. He emphasized the gravity of this loss, stating that "This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation."

Tinubu pledged a swift and comprehensive investigation into the cause of the disaster, with the aim of preventing future tragedies. The precise identities of the deceased have been withheld until their families have been notified. This crash highlights the ongoing risks faced by the Nigerian Air Force, which supports critical military operations against insurgent groups and contributes to national security.

The disaster recalls previous military aviation accidents, such as a 2021 crash in Kaduna that claimed the lives of 11 officers during bad weather. As the nation grapples with this profound loss, thorough and transparent investigations are essential to preserve public trust and address this tragic incident.