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

The President also directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen personnel.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft 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 a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.

Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, Tinubu commiserated with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of 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,” he said.

Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with a view to preventing future occurrences.

He also commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.

The Nigerian Air Force said the names of the deceased personnel would be released after their families had been contacted.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), expressed deep sorrow over the crash, describing the deceased personnel as patriots who demonstrated loyalty and commitment to the defence of the country.

Musa, in a statement he personally signed, extended condolences to President Tinubu, the Armed Forces leadership and the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.

He said the crash involving the aircraft with registration number NAF 931 was an “irreparable blow” to the military and the country.

The Defence Minister also expressed sympathy to the families of the civilians who were on board the aircraft.

He said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the cause of the crash and ensure that necessary safety measures were strengthened across military aviation units.

Musa prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for God to grant their families, colleagues and Nigerians the strength to bear the loss.