President Tinubu Confirms 32 Dead in Nigerian Air Force Plane Crash in Ondo State

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the tragic death of 32 people following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State. The plane, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, went down on a Monday morning during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The wreckage was eventually located near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of the state, following an intense search and rescue operation launched by the military and emergency agencies. President Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.

According to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at approximately 09:13 local time. Despite several attempts to re-establish radio communication, the plane disappeared from radar screens shortly after its departure from Benin. Local eyewitnesses in the Ilaje Local Government Area described hearing a thunder-like sound as the aircraft plummeted, with some reports indicating the wreckage was found in a river along Larada Street. The crash is cited as one of the most significant aviation disasters involving the Nigerian military in recent years.

While search and rescue operations were coordinated by the Air Force and emergency agencies, Minister Keyamo clarified that operations involving military aircraft do not fall under the direct authority of the Ministry of Aviation. However, he confirmed that his ministry remained ready to assist in any way possible during the recovery phase. The Nigerian Air Force has begun a thorough probe to determine whether technical failure, weather conditions, or other factors contributed to the loss of the aircraft and everyone on board.

As the nation mourns the 32 victims, the incident has reignited public concerns regarding the safety and maintenance protocols of military aviation assets in Nigeria. This tragedy follows a series of previous incidents involving military hardware, leading to calls for increased transparency in aviation safety audits. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and authorities work to recover flight recorders from the crash site in Ondo.