President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the death of 25 personnel and passengers aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft that crashed in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the victims.
Tinubu announced the measures in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation.
“Yesterday, Nigeria lost brave men and women of our Air Force in the service of our country,” the President said, paying tribute to the victims for their service and sacrifice.
He noted that military personnel routinely risk their lives to protect the country, assuring that their contributions to national security would not be forgotten.
The President also acknowledged the emotional toll of the tragedy on the families of the deceased, noting that behind every uniform was a family waiting for a loved one to return home.
“Nigeria grieves with them,” he said, extending the nation’s solidarity to the bereaved families.
The crash involved a Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivors had been found as of the military’s latest statement.
Tinubu disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and said he had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The investigation, he said, was necessary to establish what led to the accident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The President also commended the Air Force for promptly activating search-and-rescue operations following the incident.
Reaffirming the nation’s appreciation for the fallen personnel, Tinubu said their service and sacrifice would remain part of the country’s collective memory.
“We honour their service. We remember their sacrifice,” he said.
He concluded his message with a prayer for the deceased, asking that their souls rest in peace.
The national mourning declaration comes as the Nigerian Air Force continues efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and provide verified updates to the public.
