President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
The President said Air Force personnel regularly put their lives on the line in the service of the nation, adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten. He also commended the Nigerian Air Force and other first responders for activating search and rescue operations following the crash.
Tinubu further directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Presidency said the identities of the deceased officers would be released after their families had been formally notified.
