Tinubu Declares 3-Day Mourning For Air Force Crash Victims

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Tinubu also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the officers.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced this on Monday.

The president had earlier expressed sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Ilaje Local Government Area.

Reports had said there were no survivors.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, 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.”

The president also ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.

“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 said it would release the names of the deceased after contacting their families.

The crash occurred shortly after 9:00am near the naval base in the riverine community of Igbokoda.