Nigeria Mourns 25 Dead After Military Plane Crashes Into Swamp

ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria is mourning 25 people killed after a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed into a swamp in Ondo State during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft disappeared from radar before its wreckage was located in the swampy area.

The Nigerian Air Force initially launched search-and-rescue operations after the aircraft lost contact. On Tuesday, however, the service confirmed that there were no survivors.

The Air Force said the aircraft was carrying 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers. The announcement corrected an earlier figure of 32 people given by Nigeria's Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo. Authorities did not initially explain the discrepancy between the two figures.

The aircraft was reportedly operating a routine mission between Benin and Lagos when the accident occurred. Local residents said the plane crashed near a river and became partially submerged in the water.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those killed and described the crash as a painful moment for the armed forces and the country.

Tinubu ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash and directed that the national mourning period be observed for three days. Flags across the country are to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also expressed condolences to the families and assured them of the Nigerian Air Force's support.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established. The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine what happened to the aircraft before it went down.

The ATR-42 is used by the Nigerian military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, as well as for transporting personnel and equipment. The aircraft involved in Monday's crash had been in Nigerian Air Force service for more than a decade.

The identities of all 25 victims have now been released by the Nigerian Air Force as authorities begin notifying and supporting their families.

As Nigeria observes the national mourning period, the investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's final moments and what led to the fatal crash.

For the families of the 25 victims, the investigation offers the prospect of answers, but the immediate focus remains on mourning those who lost their lives in the country's latest military aviation tragedy.

Source BBC NEWS