President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.
The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period in honour of the deceased personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near the Naval Base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
According to the State House, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the 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 said he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
He said the investigation should establish what led to the accident and help prevent a recurrence.
The President also commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier said the aircraft was involved in an accident in the Igbokoda area while travelling from Benin to Lagos, prompting the deployment of search and rescue teams in coordination with emergency response agencies and relevant authorities.
The State House said the names of the deceased officers would be released by the Air Force after their families had been formally notified.
