By media360impact
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the fatal crash involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.
The aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
According to the Presidency, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, commending the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search-and-rescue operation after the crash.
The President has also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Presidency said the names of the personnel who died would be released after their families had been contacted.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force.
Source/Credit: State House, Abuja; Presidency statement issued October 5, 2026.
Photo Credit: X/@officialABAT
