President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast nationwide throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the deceased personnel.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Presidency said 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft when the accident occurred.
Tinubu, who had earlier expressed sadness over the crash, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
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“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.
In a condolence message to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu directed the service to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“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,” he said.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search-and-rescue operations following the crash, as well as personnel and agencies involved in the emergency response.
The identities of the deceased personnel have not yet been officially released.
According to the Presidency, the Nigerian Air Force will publish the names of the victims after their families have been formally contacted