Tinubu declares three-day national mourning for Air Force crash victims

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast nationwide throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.

According to the Presidency’s statement, as reported by PM News, issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Twenty-five passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft.

“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 said.

He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the crash.

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” he said.

The identities of the deceased are yet to be released.