*President Bola Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday morning, October 5, 2026.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda.
The President, according to a statement signed by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the incident, as well as to the 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 disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to establish what led to the mishap 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,” the President said.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search-and-rescue operation following the crash.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident and asked Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” he said.
The President assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as it carries out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation.
He also commended the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” Tinubu said.