Nigeria: Air Force ATR-42 Crash in Ondo State Leaves All 25 People on Board Dead

Nigeria: Air Force ATR-42 Crash in Ondo State Leaves All 25 People on Board Dead
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A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft has crashed in Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria, killing all people on board, according to aviation and military authorities. Initial reports cited a higher number of casualties, but the Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — were aboard the aircraft.

The aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it lost contact with air traffic controllers. The wreckage was later discovered near the town of Igbokoda in Ondo State, close to a naval facility. Search and rescue teams were deployed following the crash, but no survivors were found.

The incident has been described as one of Nigeria’s deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, while the Nigerian president expressed condolences to the families of those killed and ordered measures to examine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The ATR-42 aircraft involved in the crash is used by the Nigerian Air Force for missions including transport, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.