President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
He also directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.
The aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred near the Naval Base in the area.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed sadness over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of those on board, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and the 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 President said.
Tinubu said the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
According to him, “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”, President Tinubu said.