Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning After Air Force Crash Claims 32 Lives in Ondo
Abuja, Nigeria—October 5, 2026—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday declared a three-day period of national mourning for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State, directing that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.
The ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. Air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane at about 9:13 a.m. local time.
The wreckage was later located in a swampy, riverine terrain, and search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated.
According to official figures, the aircraft carried 25 passengers and seven crew members—a total of 32 people.
Multiple sources and reports indicate that all those on board perished in the crash, making it one of the more severe military aviation accidents in recent years.
The Nigerian Air Force has said the names of the deceased will be released only after their families have been contacted.
President’s Condolence Message
In a State House statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the incident as “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 extended profound condolences to the families of the victims, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, Airmen, and Airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
He confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him and directed the service to begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. He also praised the Air Force for the swift activation of search-and-rescue efforts.
Official Confirmation and Response
The Nigerian Air Force, through its Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed ownership of the aircraft and stated that the plane was conducting a routine mission when the accident occurred.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency agencies, including support from the Nigerian Navy’s Forward Operating Base in the area.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo also confirmed the crash details, noting that control of military aircraft falls outside the purview of the civil aviation authorities.
He offered the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance to the Air Force in the rescue and investigation efforts.
A Nation in Mourning
The declaration of national mourning and half-mast flags underscores the gravity of the loss felt across the country.
Residents near the crash site reported hearing a sound resembling thunder around the time of the incident, while emergency responders and security personnel worked to secure the swampy crash site.
As investigations begin, attention will turn to the technical and operational factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. For now, the focus remains on honoring the fallen personnel and supporting the bereaved families.
President Tinubu’s administration has assured the Nigerian Air Force of continued support as it carries out its critical national security responsibilities.
*This report is based on the official State House press release and verified statements from the Nigerian Air Force, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and contemporaneous news coverage as of October 5, 2026.*
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