Tinubu Declares Three Days of Mourning After Deadly Air Force Crash

(President Bola Tinubu. Photo by NTANetwork)

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday's military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

He also ordered that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.

Yesterday, Nigeria lost brave men and women of our Air Force in the service of our country. 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. Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one home. Nigeria grieves with them. I have declared three days of national mourning and directed that our flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of those we have lost. The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences. I also commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident. We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice. May the souls of our departed heroes rest in peace. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) October 6, 2026

This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.

The Air Force ATR-42 crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.

It had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

In a message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Air Force personnel, Tinubu called it a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the whole nation.

He said Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep Nigeria safe and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The President said the Chief of Air Staff has briefed him, and he has directed the Air Force to start a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash right away, so that it does not happen again.

He also praised the Air Force for starting a search and rescue operation after the crash.