Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for NAF Personnel Killed in Crash
Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for NAF Personnel Killed in Crash
Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for NAF Personnel Killed in Crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
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 crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.
“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 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.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
The President expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased personnel, praying for strength for those affected by the tragedy.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the personnel involved after their families have been formally contacted.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 5, 2026.
Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for NAF Personnel Killed in Crash
