President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.
The aircraft, an Nigerian Air Force ATR-42, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly operating a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the incident occurred.
Reacting to the tragedy, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness and described the incident as a painful moment for the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation.
“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.
Tinubu disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident.
He subsequently directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing a recurrence.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search-and-rescue operation following the crash.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the identities of the deceased personnel after their families have been formally contacted.
The development has thrown the Armed Forces and affected families into mourning as authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
