Tinubu Declares Three Days of Mourning for NAF Crash Victims

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased 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, Edo State, to Lagos. The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.

The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.

Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation following the crash.