NAF Plane Crash: 25 Killed as Aircraft Goes Down in Ondo

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.

The ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. The wreckage was later located in the Igbokoda area.

The Nigerian Air Force initially activated search-and-rescue operations following the crash. However, in an update released on Tuesday, the service confirmed that there were no survivors.

According to the NAF, 25 people were on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. This figure differs from the initial information released by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, who had said 32 people, made up of 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard. The Air Force later revised the figure after reviewing the aircraft's manifest.

The aircraft reportedly went down in a swampy area near the naval base, with the difficult terrain and water complicating recovery efforts.

The cause of the crash has not yet been established.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died. He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the victims.

The Nigerian Air Force has also expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the crash.