President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State on Sunday.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen officers.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
“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,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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,” the President added.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.
The Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been contacted.
Earlier in another statement, the President had expressed profound sadness over the crash on Monday morning of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The statement noted that the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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 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.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident..
“ I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
“ I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” Tinubu said.
