President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning following the military aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of personnel and passengers on board.
The President also directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for those who died in the crash.
The aircraft, which was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State shortly after 9am on Monday, October 5.
The Presidency disclosed the President’s decision in a statement issued by his Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the ill-fated flight, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, acknowledging the risks routinely faced by military personnel in the course of their duties.
“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.
The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating a search and rescue operation following the crash.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased personnel and prayed for the repose of their souls.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss,” he said.
Tinubu assured the Nigerian Air Force of the Federal Government’s continued support as it carries out its responsibilities of protecting the country and supporting national security operations.
He also commended first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response to the crash site.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the President said.
The Presidency said the Nigerian Air Force would release the identities of the victims after their families had been formally notified.
The decision to declare national mourning is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigerians to honour the deceased and recognise the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in the service of the country.
The crash has also prompted concerns about military aviation safety and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Relevant authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the crash and establish the events leading to the aircraft going down.
The aircraft reportedly crashed in the Igbokoda area shortly after departing Benin City on its way to Lagos.
As the nation mourns the victims, the Federal Government has urged Nigerians to stand with the bereaved families and members of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period.
Further details about the identities of those who died and the circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be provided by the Nigerian Air Force as the investigation progresses.
