Tinubu declares three-day mourning over military plane crash, says names of victims to be released

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, according to Premium Times. He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, Tinubu said: “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.”

Tinubu directed the Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the crash, Bayo Onanuga said. The Air Force will name the officers after contacting their families.