Ondo Helicopter Crash: Tinubu Declares 3-Day National Mourning as Military Personnel Die
by Bada Yusuf, https://www.facebook.com/legitngnews · Legit.ng News · Join- President Bola Tinubu ordered a three-day national mourning after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Ondo state on October 5, 2026
- The plane was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down near a naval base in Igbokoda
- Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to launch a full investigation into the cause of the crash and commended rescue operations
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft that killed personnel on board, directing that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of those who died.
The declaration came after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo state on October 5, 2026. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos and had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board at the time of the crash.
Ondo crash: Tinubu sends condolences to Air Force leadership
In a condolence message addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the tragedy as deeply painful for both the armed forces and the country as a whole.
The president confirmed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and said he had ordered the Air Force to begin a thorough investigation into what caused the crash, with the aim of preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Ondo crash: NAF to release names after notifying families
The Nigerian Air Force said it would publish the names of the officers who died once their next of kin had been contacted and informed.
The statement announcing the mourning period was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
See Onanuga's full statement on X here:
Tinubu departs Abuja for Lagos
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu wrapped up a six-day stay in Lagos before departing for Abuja on October 5, 2026.
Tinubu delivered Nigeria's 66th Independence Day address on October 1 and attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary on Chief MKO Abiola.
The President also visited Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu at Iga Iduganran Palace during his time in Lagos.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.