President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in a recent military aircraft crash in Ondo State. This was made known through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President expressed profound sadness over the accident, describing it as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire country.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred. According to President Tinubu, the sacrifice of the deceased personnel will never be forgotten, as they put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria.
President Tinubu has also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period in honour of the deceased officers. This is a gesture of respect and solidarity with the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force community. The President commended the Air Force for immediately activating its search and rescue operation following the crash.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, President Tinubu said he had been briefed on the accident and ordered an immediate investigation into its cause. The President emphasized the importance of determining the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
The Nigerian Air Force has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. President Tinubu directed the Air Force to immediately commence the investigation, which aims to provide closure and identify measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The identities of the deceased personnel will be made public by the Air Force after their families have been formally contacted.
The crash has been described as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation. President Tinubu's declaration of a national mourning period is a testament to the country's respect for the sacrifices made by its security personnel. The President's condolence message to the Nigerian Air Force community was a gesture of solidarity and support during this difficult time.
The nation is still grappling with the aftermath of the crash, and the investigation into its cause is ongoing. President Tinubu's administration has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to support the families of the victims and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
Key points
- President Tinubu declares three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
- The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
- President Tinubu orders an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
