President Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning for Air Force Personnel Following Tragic Crash

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on Monday. The incident involved an ATR-42 military aircraft that went down near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the accident. In a statement from his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed profound sadness over the loss, emphasizing the bravery and commitment of the Air Force personnel to the nation's security. “This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he stated.

As part of the mourning period, flags will be flown at half-mast across the country to honor the fallen officers. President Tinubu has also instructed the Nigerian Air Force to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. He lauded the Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation following the accident.

The names of the deceased personnel will be released after the families have been notified, marking a solemn moment for the military community and the nation as a whole. The crash underscores the risks faced by Air Force members as they fulfill their duties to protect and serve Nigeria.