President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday 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.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the crash, 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.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of 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 President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its swift response following the accident.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” Tinubu said.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased personnel and the Nigerian Air Force, saying the fallen officers would be remembered for their service and sacrifice to the country.
The Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after contacting their families.