President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period in honour of the deceased officers.
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 when the accident occurred.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu expressed sadness over the loss of the military personnel, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
“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,” the President said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident, adding that he had ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash.
“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.
The President also commended the Air Force for promptly commencing search and rescue operations following the crash.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” Tinubu added.
The names of the deceased personnel will be released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families have been contacted, according to the Presidency.
The statement was issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
