Nigerian Air Force airplane crash: Bola Tinubu declares three days of mourning as 32 killed

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of nationwide mourning after a navy plane crashed in southern Ondo State, killing 32 individuals.

Authorities say the airplane was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it got here down in a swamp close to a naval base on Monday morning. After reaching the positioning, the plane was discovered to be submerged beneath water, officers mentioned.

A resident informed the BBC that garments and sneakers had been discovered on the web site. Smoke may very well be seen rising from the realm.

Tinubu supplied his deepest condolences for the 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board and has ordered a full investigation.

The president additionally ordered nationwide flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the nation as a mark of respect for individuals who died.

“This is a painful second for our Armed Forces and for your complete nation,” Tinubu mentioned.

“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the road day by day to safe Nigeria. Their sacrifice won’t ever be forgotten,” he added.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo earlier mentioned he had been knowledgeable “of the disappearance of a navy plane with tail quantity NGR 931, enroute Lagos from Benin at 0913 hours earlier at present”.

He mentioned “efforts to boost the plane on radio proved abortive” earlier than subsequent affirmation that it had crashed close to a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo state.

He mentioned search and rescue efforts have been ongoing.

The crashed airplane, described as an ATR-42 plane, carries between 30 and 50 passengers, based on its producers.