President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast nationwide during the mourning period as a mark of respect for the victims.
The directives were contained in a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission.
There were 25 passengers and seven crew members on board the aircraft.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu expressed condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, describing the crash as a painful loss to the military 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,” Tinubu said.
The President also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to commence an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding 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.
Tinubu further commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
The President had earlier expressed grief over the incident and directed that the circumstances surrounding the crash be thoroughly investigated.
