President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the officers who lost their lives in the tragedy.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
There were 32 people aboard the aircraft, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Tinubu’s declaration came after he was briefed on the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the wider Nigerian Air Force.
The President described the incident as a painful loss for the country and the Armed Forces, noting the risks routinely undertaken by Air Force personnel in the course of their duties.
Tinubu Orders Investigation
Beyond the mourning period, Tinubu has instructed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to the President, the investigation is expected to establish what caused the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search-and-rescue operations following the crash.
The President praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the scene.
Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and asked God to grant their families and colleagues in the Nigerian Air Force the strength to endure the loss.
He further assured the Air Force of the Federal Government’s continued support as the service carries out its responsibilities of protecting the nation.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the personnel who died after their families have been formally notified.
