*Flags Flies At Half-Mast Nationwide
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel killed in the crash of an ATR-42 military aircraft in Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Council of Ondo State on Monday, October 5.
Tinubu also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country, and ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to establish its cause and prevent a recurrence.
The aircraft, with 32 people, made up of 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda area while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos.
According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the tragedy, said the deaths represented a painful moment for the Armed Forces and Nigeria, particularly given the sacrifices routinely made by military personnel in the defence of the country.
In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, Tinubu said the sacrifices of the fallen personnel will never be forgotten.
He said: “The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.”
The President assured of the continued support of his administration as it carries out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the country and supporting ongoing security operations,” commending NAF for swiftly activating search-and-rescue operations following the accident.
In military tradition, identities of the deceased officers and personnel will be released by NAF after their next of kin have been contacted.
NAF plays a key role in military operations, including efforts to tackle armed groups and insecurity in several parts of the country, and the accident is one of the deadliest air disasters in Nigeria in recent years after the May 2021 crash that killed the then chief of Army staff, Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other officers in Kaduna attributed to bad weather.
