President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the officers.

The declaration came after Tinubu earlier expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.

In his 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 entire country.

“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 had earlier directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash after being briefed by the Chief of the Air Staff.

He said the investigation was intended to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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

In the earlier statement, the president also commended first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.

He extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the incident, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the officers involved in the crash and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.

He further assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the service carries out its role in securing the country.

The Presidency said the Air Force will release the names of the officers who died after contacting their families.

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the officers.

The declaration came after Tinubu earlier expressed sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.

In his 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 entire country.

“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 had earlier directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash after being briefed by the Chief of the Air Staff.

He said the investigation was intended to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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

In the earlier statement, the president also commended first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.

He extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the incident, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the officers involved in the crash and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.

He further assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as the service carries out its role in securing the country.

The Presidency said the Air Force will release the names of the officers who died after contacting their families.