Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased officers.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday, October 5, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State while travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, bringing the total number of people aboard to 32. President Tinubu later confirmed that there were no survivors.
Expressing his condolences to the families of those who died, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
The President said the sacrifice of Air Force personnel who serve to protect the country would not be forgotten.
Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the aim of determining its cause and preventing a recurrence.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation following the accident, while also acknowledging the response of first responders and the Ondo State Government.
The aircraft disappeared from radar during its journey before the wreckage was located around Igbokoda. The crash has since prompted an investigation by the relevant authorities.
The Presidency said the Nigerian Air Force would release the names of the deceased personnel after their families had been contacted.
The declaration of national mourning comes as tributes continue to emerge following the loss of the military personnel and other occupants of the aircraft.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to honour the deceased and their families as investigations into the cause of the crash continue.
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