Tinubu Declares Three Days Of National Mourning After NAF Plane Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of all 32 people on board.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members. President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.

As part of the mourning period, the President directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased personnel.

Tinubu also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of determining what happened and preventing similar incidents in the future.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” the President said, describing the sacrifice of Air Force personnel as one that would not be forgotten.

The Nigerian Air Force had activated search-and-rescue operations following the crash, while other emergency agencies and the Ondo State Government joined the response.

The identities of the deceased Air Force personnel are expected to be released after their families have been formally notified.

The crash has triggered widespread mourning across Nigeria as authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.