Tinubu declares 3-day mourning after 32 die in Ondo crash

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a three-day national mourning period and directed flags to fly at half-mast after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) passenger plane crashed in Ondo State, claiming the lives of all 32 people on board.

The tragic incident happened on Monday morning when an ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, went down in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. According to military and government officials, the plane was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when it lost radio contact shortly after 9:00 a.m.

Based on previous reports published by Dawn Herald, residents in the area reported hearing a loud sound, similar to thunder, before the crash was confirmed near a local naval base. Search and rescue operations were quickly activated, involving military personnel, but sadly, there were no survivors.

The ATR-42 is a twin-engine turboprop plane used by the NAF for transport and surveillance missions, not for combat. The identities of the victims are being withheld until their families have been officially notified.

President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident and immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine exactly what caused the crash.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation…Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten”, Tinubu.

The President also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.