Tinubu declares three-day mourning for 32 NAF personnel killed in air crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.
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“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, adding that he had 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 prevent a recurrence.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
The State House said the Air Force would release the names of the deceased personnel after their families had been formally contacted.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 5, 2026.
By PRNigeria
