Ondo air crash: Tinubu declares three-day national mourning, orders probe

Chinedum Ukaegbu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.

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

According to the Presidency, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.

President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation.

“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.

According to the statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those involved in the crash, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

The President disclosed that the Chief of the 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.

He said the investigation was necessary to establish what led to the accident and prevent a recurrence.

Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.

He further praised first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.

The President prayed for the repose of the souls of the fallen personnel and asked Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.

He assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as the service carries out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the nation.

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

The Presidency said the three-day mourning and the directive for flags to fly at half-mast were part of measures to honour the deceased personnel and recognise their service and sacrifice to Nigeria.