By Our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period 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 aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.
Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash, describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the 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 in a condolence message to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President said he had been briefed by the Chief of the Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu said.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation following the accident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force said it would release the names of the officers involved in the crash after their families had been contacted.
The President’s declaration of national mourning underscores the gravity of the incident and the nation’s recognition of the sacrifice made by the fallen military personnel in the service of Nigeria.