By Samuel Olusegun Precious
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State that killed all 32 people on board.
The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, crashed on Monday morning, October 5, 2026, near the Naval Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. while it was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The wreckage was later located in a swampy area near the naval base.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. No survivor has been found.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President said he has been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and has ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
He also commended the NAF for activating immediate search and rescue operations, alongside first responders and the Ondo State Government. The Nigerian Air Force said it will release the identities of the victims after their families have been formally notified.Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed that rescue teams recovered aircraft parts, uniforms, identity cards and personal effects, but no living soul was found at the crash site.
