President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has declared a three-day national mourning period following the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that resulted in the loss of several personnel. The incident occurred on October 5, 2026, near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The aircraft, an ATR-42 jet, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos with 25 passengers and 7 crew members on board when it crashed.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was carrying out a routine mission when contact was lost at 0913 hours. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo stated that Air Traffic Controllers alerted him to the disappearance, and despite attempts to establish radio contact with the crew, all efforts were unsuccessful. The wreckage was subsequently located, and search and rescue operations were launched immediately.
President Tinubu expressed his condolences to Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, describing the incident as a painful moment for the armed forces and the Nigerian nation. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the accident. Tinubu also directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the declaration of a three-day national mourning period. During this period, flags will be flown at half-mast nationwide in tribute to the fallen officers. The Nigerian Air Force will release the names of those who died only after their families have been formally notified.
The ATR-42 military jet crash near Igbokoda is the latest in a series of aviation incidents in Nigeria. Earlier, on September 30, prominent Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo died in a helicopter crash in the Marondera area, along with his wife, her aide, and the two pilots. Preliminary reports suggested that bad weather may have contributed to that crash.
President Tinubu's directive for a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash underscores the importance of aviation safety in Nigeria. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military and civilian air operations in the country. The Nigerian Air Force is expected to provide updates on the investigation's progress and any measures to be taken to prevent future incidents.
The nation mourns the loss of the air force personnel, and the three-day mourning period is a tribute to their sacrifice. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by military personnel in their line of duty. The government and the Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide support to the families of the fallen officers.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu declares three-day national mourning period for air force personnel killed in aircraft crash
- Nigerian Air Force to conduct thorough investigation into cause of crash
- Flags to be flown at half-mast nationwide in tribute to fallen officers
