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• Orders flags at half-mast, probe into tragedy
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Molly Kilete, Abuja; Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure and Taiwo Ogunniyi, Ilorin
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the 25 passengers and seven crew members who died in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Tinubu also ordered an immediate investigation into the crash of the ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The identities of the deceased personnel will be released by the Air Force after their families have been notified.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, saying the sacrifice of the personnel would not be forgotten.
“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,” he said.
The President said the investigation must establish the cause of the crash and help prevent a recurrence.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He also commended the Air Force for immediately activating search and rescue operations, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their support.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, reportedly lost radio contact at about 9:13 a.m., while its wreckage was subsequently located near the naval base.
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In its initial statement announcing the accident, the NAF said emergency operations were underway in collaboration with relevant authorities and response agencies.
Its spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said: “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has activated an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on 5 October 2026.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search and Rescue operations, in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies, are currently ongoing.
“The NAF is committed to ensuring the success of the ongoing Search and Rescue efforts. Further details will be communicated in due course.”
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, directed the State Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Health and security agencies to provide logistical and human support for the emergency operations and cordon off the scene.
An eyewitness, Adeoleyi Alexendar, described the difficulties residents and security personnel encountered while trying to reach the crash site.
According to him, residents joined naval officers, police and other security personnel in the rescue effort, using canoes and a gunboat to approach the area.
He said the gunboat could not access the crash site, forcing those involved in the operation to enter the bush, where they found the wreckage amid damaged bamboo and trees, with shoes and clothing scattered around.
Alexendar said no one was found alive when they reached the scene.
The Ondo State Police Command also urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information about the incident as emergency agencies continued their work.
