President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
Tinubu also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
This was contained in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.
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, Edo State, to Lagos.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the President described the incident 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,” Tinubu said.
The President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate 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.
Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation after the crash.
