By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THREE DAYS of national mourning have been declared for Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel killed in the crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with President Bola Tinubu ordering flags to be flown at half-mast across the country.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the President has ordered an immediate investigation into the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 crash.
The aircraft, tail number NGR 931, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Its wreckage was later located in a swampy area near the Naval Forward Operating Base (NFOB) in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area.
Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the probe should help prevent future occurrences.
Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the crash and extended his condolences to the families of those involved, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen 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 said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and confirmed that he had ordered an immediate investigation.
“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 commended the NAF for activating an immediate search and rescue operation after the crash. He also praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
No Survivors In The
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa confirmed that no survivors had been found as at Monday night.
However, aircraft parts, identification cards and uniforms were recovered from the crash site, while Navy personnel, state emergency officials and Amotekun operatives took part in the rescue operation.
He said the identities of the deceased personnel will be released by the NAF after their families have been notified while he also them of the continued support of his administration as it carries out its role in securing the country.
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