By Miriam Humbe
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also directed that the Nigerian national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the deceased personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday morning near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, according to the Presidency.
President Tinubu described the incident as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, extending his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” the President said, adding that the sacrifice of military personnel who put their lives on the line in the service of the country would not be forgotten.
Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and take measures to prevent a recurrence.
He also commended the NAF for activating a search-and-rescue operation, as well as 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 deceased and urged Nigerians to remember their families and colleagues in their prayers during the period of national mourning.
Meanwhile, more details on the crash and the identities of those involved have been disclosed by the Nigerian Air Force as the investigation and recovery efforts continue.
The Nigerian Air Force revealed in a manifest on Tuesday that no fewer than 25 persons perished in the crash, with five crew members and 20 passengers.
