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.
The President also directed that national 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.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on 5 October 2026, Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident.
“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, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation following the crash.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said the names of the deceased personnel would be released after their families had been contacted.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
