Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning for Air Force Personnel Killed in Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
This was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026. He said the President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to the Presidency, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the crash, describing it as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire country.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He also commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
The Presidency said the names of the deceased personnel would be released after their families had been contacted.