Tinubu Declares 3 Days of National Mourning After Fatal Military Jet Crash in Ondo State
ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force plane on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The president has also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the entire country to honor the military personnel who lost their lives in the disaster.
The accident involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet that was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
In a condolence message addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, President Tinubu expressed profound grief over the incident.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” President Tinubu stated. “Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Following a briefing from the Chief of Air Staff, President Tinubu ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the root cause of the crash to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for swiftly launching search and rescue operations immediately after the impact.
The identities of the officers and crew members on board have not yet been made public. The Air Force confirmed that the names of the victims will be released once their families have been formally notified.
