Tinubu declares 3-Day mourning for victims of Ondo air crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning to honor those who perished in the recent air crash that occurred in Ondo State. The President also ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the nation as a sign of respect for the deceased. According to Bayo Onanuga, a Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, this information was shared in a statement released on Monday.

Prior to this, Tinubu expressed his profound sadness over the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet. The unfortunate incident took place near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, en route from Benin to Lagos for routine duty, was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it met with its untimely demise.

The Presidential statement conveyed, "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," in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all members of the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu announced that the Chief of Air Staff has briefed him, and in response, he has directed the Nigerian Air Force to commence an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a swift search and rescue operation following the tragic accident.

He added that the Air Force will disclose the names of the officers involved only after contacting their families.