Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning For Air Force Personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period following the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags 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.

The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and commiserated with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

The President said the personnel of the Armed Forces continue to risk their lives in the service of the country and directed that the circumstances surrounding the crash be investigated.

He ordered the Nigerian Air Force to begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation after the aircraft went down.

The names of the personnel who died in the crash are expected to be released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families have been contacted.

The three-day mourning period is a national mourning exercise and does not amount to a declaration of public holidays.

The statement was issued on October 5, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.