President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The military aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
According to the information released following the incident, the aircraft was carrying 32 people comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the incident, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian 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,” the President said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu said.
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He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue efforts immediately after the aircraft went down.
Names Of Victims To Be Released
The Presidency said the Nigerian Air Force would release the identities of the officers involved in the crash after their families had been duly contacted.
The announcement of the national mourning is expected to serve as a mark of honour for the personnel who lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
The cause of the crash remains subject to the ongoing investigation by the Nigerian Air Force.