President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen officers.
Tinubu announced the mourning period on Monday following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, Tinubu said the sacrifices of military personnel who risk their lives to protect 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 said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation was necessary to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for swiftly activating a search-and-rescue operation following the crash.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the personnel who died after their families have been contacted.
