President orders flags at half-mast nationwide, directs full investigation into Ondo military aircraft crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across Nigeria as a mark of respect for the fallen officers. The directives were contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. 

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, while travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, bringing the total number of people on board to 32. All 32 people were reported killed in the crash. 

Tinubu described the tragedy as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire country, while extending his condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.

“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 said.

The President said he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

According to Tinubu, the investigation is expected to establish what caused the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

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He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for swiftly activating search and rescue operations after the aircraft went down.

The crash has cast a pall over the military community, with the deaths representing a major loss for the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the personnel involved.

The Presidency said the names of the deceased officers would be released after their families had been formally contacted.

Tinubu also assured the Nigerian Air Force of the administration’s continued support as it carries out its responsibilities of protecting the country.

The national mourning comes as authorities continue to investigate one of Nigeria’s deadliest recent military aviation accidents.