President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period in honour of the fallen personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Reacting to the tragedy, Tinubu described the crash as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, stressing that the sacrifices of military personnel who risk their lives in the service of Nigeria would not be forgotten.
“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, who had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
According to him, the investigation is necessary to establish what caused the accident and prevent a recurrence.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” the President added.
The Presidency said the Air Force would release the names of the deceased personnel after their families had been formally contacted.
The President also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of Air Staff and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The crash has triggered an investigation and renewed attention on aviation safety within the Nigerian military, with authorities expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
