President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three – day national mourning for Airforce personnel who died in the crash of a military plane yesterday.
He also directed that flag should be flown at half mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers.
A statement by Bayo Ononuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy revealed that President Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR – 42 jet.
The accident occurred near a naval base in 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.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Airforce personnel put their lives on the line everyday to secure Nigeria.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, President Tinubu declared in condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kevin Aneke, and all officers, and all airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air to immediately commence a through investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operations following the accident.”
The Air Force will release the officers’ names after contacting their families.
