Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for Air Force Personnel Killed in Crash
Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for Air Force Personnel Killed in Aircraft Crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 5, 2026:
“The President also directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
“The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday 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.
President Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force, expressed profound sadness over the incident and commiserated with the families of the personnel who lost their lives.
“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,” the President said.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish the cause of the accident and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the crash.
The Presidency said the identities of the deceased officers would be officially released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families had been contacted.