Tinubu Declares 3-Day National Mourning For Air Force Personnel Killed In Ondo Plane Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft on Saturday.

The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen officers.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation.

“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,” President Tinubu said.

He disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and that he has directed the Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” he added.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force will release the names of the officers after contacting their families.