ICYMI: Tinubu orders investigation as 32 die in Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash

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AKURE, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria is mourning 32 people who died after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crashed near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. The wreckage was later located near a naval base in the Igbokoda area.

The Nigerian Air Force said it immediately activated search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies following the crash.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

“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 directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with a view to preventing future occurrences.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the NAF for activating the search-and-rescue operation, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.

The President subsequently declared a three-day national mourning period for the Air Force personnel who died in the crash and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect.

The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released. The Presidency said the names of the deceased Air Force personnel would be announced after their families and next of kin had been formally contacted.

The crash has triggered widespread grief across the country, with condolences coming from government officials, security agencies and members of the public.

The cause of the crash has not been established. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data, maintenance records, weather conditions, operational circumstances and other relevant factors to determine what led to the accident.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has said the incident involves a military aircraft and therefore falls outside its statutory mandate unless it is formally invited by the military authority.

The investigation into the tragedy is continuing.