Devastating Air Crash Claims 32 Lives in Nigerian Military Plane Disaster

Tue Oct 06 2026 09:15:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Nigerian president declares national mourning after an ATR‑42 military aircraft crashes near Ondo State, killing 32 people including crew and passengers.

A military ATR‑42 crashed near a swampy area in Ondo State this Monday, killing all 32 on board. President Bola Tinubu declared a three‑day national mourning period and ordered a full investigation. The aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when it plunged near the Igbokoda naval base. This tragedy follows earlier Nigerian air disasters that have struck the nation’s armed forces.

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three‑day period of national mourning after a military aircraft crashed on Monday morning near Ondo State, killing all 32 people on board.

The ATR‑42, a cargo‑tuned military plane, was supposed to fly from Benin City to Lagos when it plunged into a swampy area close to the naval base at Igbokoda. Residents reported seeing smoke and debris, with clothes and shoes scattered at the crash site.

Air‑Force officials said the incident involved 25 passengers and seven crew, and that an immediate investigation has been ordered. Flags will be flown at half‑mast nationwide in tribute.

This tragedy follows past Nigerian aviation disasters, including a 2021 crash that killed army chief Lt‑Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and other senior officers, and another February incident that claimed seven lives in Abuja.