Turkiye condoles Nigeria over military aircraft crash

The government of Türkiye has expressed condolences to Nigeria following the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft in Ondo State on Monday.

A statement issued by the Turkish embassy in Abuja on Tuesday said it was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the accident and extended its condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Nigeria.

The aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, while on a routine flight from Benin City towards Lagos. Initial reports indicated that 32 people were aboard, comprising passengers and crew members. Subsequent reports confirmed that there were no survivors.

The Turkish condolence message came as Nigeria began mourning the victims of the tragedy. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the personnel who lost their lives.

The Euro-Asian nation expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and to the Nigerian people following the crash.

The incident has attracted international attention, with the loss of the military personnel coming at a time when Nigeria’s armed forces remain heavily engaged in security operations across the country.

The cause of the crash was not immediately established, with Nigerian authorities expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Türkiye’s expression of condolences represents a diplomatic gesture of solidarity with Nigeria following the tragedy, adding to the international expressions of sympathy received by the country.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry’s statement was issued on the same day as the crash and was titled, “Regarding the Military Aircraft Crash in Nigeria.”