President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State on October 5, 2026, which killed all 32 people on board. The president also ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased personnel.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
The aircraft, an ATR-42, went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. It was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the plane was on a routine mission at the time of the crash.
In a condolence message addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, President Tinubu described the tragedy as deeply painful for both the armed forces and the country. He said, "This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
Investigation and Search Operations Ordered
The president confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident. He has directed the Nigerian Air Force to launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar occurrences in the future. Tinubu also commended the service for activating immediate search and rescue operations following the accident.
"I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident," the president added.
Next of Kin Notification and Official Statement
The Nigerian Air Force said it would release the names of the officers who died in the crash once their next of kin have been contacted and informed. The statement announcing the three-day mourning period was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The crash has raised questions about the safety of military aircraft in Nigeria, with some public figures calling for a thorough investigation. The Nigerian Air Force has assured the public that it will cooperate fully with the inquiry and provide updates as the investigation progresses.
