President Tinubu declares three-day National mourning over Ondo military aircraft crash

President Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning over the Ondo military aircraft crash thatoccured on Monday, October 5.

The President has also ordered that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers and others onboard the illfated flight.

In a statement released, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Tinubu “extends his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all 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.

I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident. 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.

 

“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation. I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site,” the president said.

The Presidency says the Nigerian Air Force will release the identities of the victims after notifying their families.

The passenger aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it went down at Igbokoda in Ondo State shortly after 9am.