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 on Monday.
He also directed that flags be flown at half mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the officers.
The President had earlier expressed profound sadness over the loss of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet. The accident occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and to all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, President Tinubu said: “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 added: “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. I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.”
The Air Force will release the names of the officers after their families have been contacted.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
relics at the crash site
By A.Ikechukwu
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