Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning For Air Force Personnel Killed In Ondo Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft 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 deceased officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday 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.

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, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.

The President said the sacrifice of military personnel who risk their lives daily in the service of the country would not be forgotten.

Tinubu disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and said he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

He said the investigation was aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the accident and preventing future occurrences.

The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been formally contacted.

The President had earlier expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support in carrying out its national security responsibilities.