Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning For Air Force Personnel Killed In Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.

The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, noting that military personnel put their lives at risk daily in the service of Nigeria.

He extended his condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the crash and prevent a recurrence.

He also commended the Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the accident.

The identities of the deceased personnel will be released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families have been duly contacted.

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