President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft in Ondo State.
According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the deceased personnel.
Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and 7 crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
“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 in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.”
The Nigerian Air Force said it would release the names of the deceased personnel after notifying their families.
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