President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also ordered that the Nigerian 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 on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu described the crash as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
He said, “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 he had received a briefing from the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tinubu also commended the Air Force for promptly launching search and rescue efforts following the crash.
The President expressed his condolences to the Chief of Air Staff and the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force over the loss.
Meanwhile, the Air Force is expected to release the identities of the personnel who died after their families have been formally contacted.
