President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Nigerian Air Force personnel and other passengers who died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire country, saying the deceased personnel made the ultimate sacrifice while serving Nigeria.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 people were aboard the ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers, with no survivors recorded.
Tinubu said the loss of the military personnel was particularly painful because members of the Armed Forces routinely put their lives at risk in the course of protecting the country.
He extended his condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died in the accident, acknowledging the personal loss suffered by the relatives of the victims.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for three days as part of a period of national mourning declared in honour of the victims.
Tinubu further directed the Nigerian Air Force to commence a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The investigation is expected to determine what caused the aircraft to go down and identify measures that could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic controllers while on its scheduled journey from Benin City to Lagos before the wreckage was located near Igbokoda, close to a naval base in Ondo State. Search-and-rescue teams were deployed after the aircraft disappeared from radar.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also described the incident as a major loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The tragedy has generated widespread mourning, with political leaders, government officials and members of the public expressing condolences to the families of those who died.
The President commended the search-and-rescue teams involved in the immediate response to the crash and urged Nigerians to continue supporting the bereaved families during the period of mourning.
Meanwhile, the cause of the crash has not been established publicly. Authorities have urged the public to await the outcome of the official investigation rather than rely on speculation.
The incident has renewed attention on the risks faced by military personnel in the discharge of their duties and the need for thorough investigations following aviation accidents.
As Nigeria mourns the victims, the Nigerian Air Force is expected to provide further information as the investigation into the crash progresses.
