RismadarVoice Reporters
October 5, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has mourned Nigerian Air Force personnel involved in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State and ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, paying tribute to military personnel for their service to Nigeria.
Tinubu said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the crash and that he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately conduct a thorough investigation to establish its cause and help prevent similar incidents.
He also commended the Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations following the accident.
The President praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
Tinubu assured the Nigerian Air Force of the Federal Government’s continued support as investigations into the accident begin.
The identities of those involved had not been officially released at the time of this report.
