President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the officers who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The crash involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft reportedly went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
In a condolence message addressed to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the accident.
“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 he had been briefed on the incident by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash.
According to him, the inquiry is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The President also commended the Air Force for swiftly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
Authorities are yet to release the identities of the victims, with the Air Force stating that the names of those involved will be made public after their families have been duly informed.
The incident has sparked condolences from across the country, with many Nigerians paying tribute to the fallen personnel for their service and sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
