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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the victims of the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday, October 5. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
In a statement, Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen 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,” Tinubu said.
The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for its immediate search-and-rescue response, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their efforts at the crash site.
He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that there were 25 people on board NAF 931 five crew members and 20 passengers and that no survivors were found.
The NAF has released the identities of all 25 victims after notifying their families. The list includes five crew members, military personnel and five civilian passengers.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The Air Force has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash and urged the public to refrain from speculation or circulating unverified information while the investigation continues.
