President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
National flags will fly at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.
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 to Lagos. The plane was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, President Tinubu said the sacrifices of Air Force personnel who risk their lives daily to secure Nigeria would never 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 stated in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and Nigerian Air Force personnel.
Tinubu noted that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Air Force to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence.
He also praised the Air Force for swiftly activating a search and rescue operation after the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased once their families have been formally notified.
