Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning For Air Force Personnel Killed In Ondo Aircraft Crash
6th October, 2026 | News
Tinubu Declares Three Days of Mourning After Military Aircraft Crash in Ondo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the deaths of Nigerian Air Force personnel in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across Nigeria as a mark of respect for the deceased Air Force personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the incident.
Tinubu Orders Investigation Into Crash
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu described the crash as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the President said the sacrifice of military personnel who risk their lives to protect the country would not be forgotten.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President 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 cause of the crash.
According to Tinubu, the investigation is necessary to determine what led to the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Air Force Activates Search and Rescue Operation
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash.
The incident has prompted efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s final moments and determine the cause of the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been formally contacted.
The President’s declaration of three days of national mourning means government buildings and other designated locations across the country are expected to observe the half-mast directive in honour of the fallen personnel.