Military aircraft crashes in Nigeria: 25 people lost their lives

A military aircraft traveling from Benin City to Lagos in Nigeria crashed for reasons yet to be determined in Ondo state in the country's southwest. All twenty-five people on board, consisting of five crew members and twenty passengers, lost their lives in the crash.

Details of the Plane Crash

The ATR-42 military aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, which took off from Benin City and was heading toward Lagos, was carrying out a routine mission. Communication between air traffic controllers and the aircraft was completely lost on Monday at around 0813 GMT during the flight.

Update on the Death Toll

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had stated in his initial announcement following the crash on Monday that thirty-two people were on board the aircraft. However, the Nigerian Air Force clarified in an official statement on Tuesday that the total number of people on board was twenty-five, consisting of five crew members and twenty passengers.

Search and Rescue and Wreckage Operations

This tragic crash has been recorded as one of the deadliest aviation disasters to occur on Nigerian soil in recent years. The wreckage of the aircraft was located near the coastal town of Igbokoda, and search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the region.

National Mourning and Investigation Decision

Following the fatal crash, President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. It was also announced that three days of national mourning were declared across the country in memory of those who lost their lives in the crash.