Tinubu Declares Three Day Mourning for NAF Personnel Killed in Crash

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft in Ondo State.

The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half mast across the country as a mark of respect for the officers who lost their lives in the incident.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.

He said military personnel “put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria”, adding that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.

The President said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent a recurrence.

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

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