FG declares three-day mourning for Air Force personnel killed in crash
The federal government has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday.
President Bola Tinubu also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased personnel.
The President, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.
“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,” he said.
The aircraft, a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42, reportedly crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
It was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the accident.
Tinubu said he had directed the Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence.
“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,” the President said.
