President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State. This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The President also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, an ATR-42 jet, crashed on Monday near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. According to the Presidency, 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft when the accident occurred. The incident has been described as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.
Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the incident and described the deaths as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation. He said, “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 has directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. He said, “The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.” The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tinubu also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations immediately after the aircraft went down, as well as those involved in the emergency response. The swift response is believed to have helped in managing the situation and mitigating the impact of the crash.
The identities of the deceased personnel have not been officially released. According to the Presidency, the Nigerian Air Force will publish their names after their families have been contacted. This is a standard procedure to ensure that the families of the deceased are informed and able to pay their respects before the public release of the names.
The nation mourns the loss of the Air Force personnel, and the three-day mourning period is a testament to the respect and gratitude accorded to those who serve in the Armed Forces. The incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in the line of duty and the importance of supporting their families and colleagues.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu declares three-day national mourning period for Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in Ondo State aircraft crash.
- The crash occurred on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, with 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.
- The Nigerian Air Force will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
