Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning For Air Force Personnel Killed In Ondo Aircraft Crash

President Tinubu orders flags at half-mast nationwide and directs investigation into the military aircraft crash that killed Air Force personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.

Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, Tinubu said the sacrifices of Air Force personnel who put their lives on the line to secure Nigeria would not be forgotten.

“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 Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu said the Chief of 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.

He also commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.

The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been contacted.