By NEWSCOUNT Desk
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the deceased 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 Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, were on board. There were no survivors.
Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the 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.
He said 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 to prevent future occurrences.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation following the accident, as well as the first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased personnel and assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration.
