A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 32 people on board. The aircraft, identified as an ATR-42, was travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. The wreckage was later located near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, where emergency teams were deployed.
President Bola Tinubu confirmed that there were no survivors and expressed deep sadness over the incident. He directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation to determine what caused the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The President subsequently declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died. He also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the victims.
The crash has been described as one of Nigeria’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years. The aircraft was operated by the Nigerian Air Force and was configured for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as well as other military duties.
Authorities have not yet announced the identities of all the victims, saying their families would first be notified. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, flight records, weather conditions and other circumstances surrounding the accident.
The tragedy has generated widespread concern across Nigeria, particularly among families of military personnel and residents of Ondo State. The government has promised a full investigation while urging the public to rely on verified information as investigations continue.
