A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Ondo State on Monday, killing all 32 people on board, including the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke. President Bola Tinubu has ordered three days of national mourning as investigators begin examining the cause.
Crash Details and Victims
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area, within the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. It was on a routine flight from Benin in Edo State to Lagos, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Among those killed was Air Marshal Aneke, the country's most senior Air Force officer. His death places the air force leadership among the casualties, a significant blow to the military establishment.
Presidential Response and Mourning
President Tinubu's directive, announced through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, requires flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide for the duration of the mourning period. In a message to the Air Force, the President described the crash as a painful moment for the country and its armed forces, highlighting the risks military personnel take in service.
Tinubu has been briefed on developments and has instructed the Air Force to begin an immediate investigation into the cause, with the goal of preventing a repeat incident. He also praised the quick activation of search-and-rescue teams, as well as the efforts of the Ondo State Government and other first responders at the scene.
Investigation Underway
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been drawn into the matter and is expected to examine the wreckage as part of the broader inquiry. Officials have not yet released the identities of those on board, stating that names will only be made public once families have been formally notified.
As of now, authorities have not determined what caused the aircraft to go down, and the investigation remains in its early stages. The crash has raised concerns about military aviation safety, and the outcome of the probe will be closely watched by both the public and the armed forces.
