TINUBU DECLARES THREE-DAY NATIONAL MOURNING FOR AIR FORCE CRASH VICTIMS

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash on Monday.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.

Tinubu had earlier expressed deep sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

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According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members and was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

“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,” Tinubu said 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.

The President said he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent a recurrence.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” he added.

The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been formally contacted.