Tinubu declares three days of national mourning after Air Force plane crash

Story by: Regina Bless

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. Preliminary information indicated that 32 people 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board.

As part of the mourning period, President Tinubu has directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across Nigeria as a mark of respect for the deceased Air Force personnel.

President Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the entire country, extending his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

He has also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of establishing what led to the incident and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The identities of the deceased personnel are expected to be officially released after their families have been notified.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, while authorities continue to assess the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.