By Paul Joseph
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.
Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
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, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.
“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.
Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the crash and prevent similar occurrences.
He also commended the Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations immediately after the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier announced that the identities of those who died would be released after their families had been formally notified.
The crash has triggered widespread condolences from government officials, security agencies and Nigerians, with calls for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
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