President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in a recent aircraft crash. The crash occurred on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the officers who died in the crash.
The aircraft involved in the crash was an ATR-42, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. According to the State House, the incident has been described as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire country. President Tinubu expressed his profound sadness over the incident, noting that members of the Nigerian Air Force routinely put their lives at risk in the service of the nation. He assured the families of the deceased that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
The President has directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The inquiry aims to establish the cause of the accident and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, briefed the President on the incident, and the investigation is expected to provide answers on what led to the crash.
President Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation after the aircraft went down. He also praised the first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site. The prompt activation of the search and rescue operation demonstrated the importance of coordinated emergency response in dealing with aviation accidents, particularly those involving military aircraft operating in challenging environments.
The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been contacted. The State House said the identities of the officers would be made public only after the military authorities had completed the process of notifying their relatives. President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those who died, the Chief of the Air Staff, and the entire Nigerian Air Force community.
The President assured the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of his administration as the service carries out its responsibilities of protecting the country. He stressed the importance of honouring those who lost their lives in the line of duty and noted that their sacrifice would not be forgotten. The crash has placed renewed focus on the safety of military aviation operations and the need for comprehensive investigations whenever accidents occur.
The three-day mourning period ordered by the President will provide an opportunity for the nation to honour the fallen personnel and recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in the discharge of their duties. As the mourning begins, attention will also turn to the investigation ordered by the President, with the findings expected to provide answers on what caused the ATR-42 to crash and whether any measures are required to strengthen the safety of future Nigerian military aviation operations.
Key points
- President Tinubu declares three-day national mourning for NAF personnel killed in aircraft crash.
- The crash occurred near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
- The President directs the Nigerian Air Force to investigate the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
