President orders national flags at half-mast as investigation begins into the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the death of 32 Nigerian Air Force personnel in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission.
According to the Presidency, the aircraft had 32 personnel on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. All occupants were reported dead following the crash.
Following the tragedy, President Tinubu directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the three-day mourning period as a mark of respect for the fallen military personnel.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing the incident as a painful loss to the nation.
Tinubu also ordered a thorough investigation into the crash to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine its cause.
The Nigerian Air Force and other relevant authorities are expected to provide further information as investigations continue.
The crash has left the Nigerian military community and families of the deceased mourning the loss of personnel who died while carrying out their official duties.
