President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft in Ondo State that killed all 32 people on board.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while travelling from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos on a routine mission. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.
Following confirmation of the deaths, Tinubu directed that the Nigerian flag be flown at half-mast across the country throughout the mourning period as a mark of respect for the victims.
In a condolence message, the President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country. He expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and to personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
Tinubu also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. He said the investigation should help determine what caused the accident and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, separately ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash, saying the probe should establish the circumstances of the incident and help strengthen operational safety measures across military aviation units.
The aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar while travelling towards Lagos, before its wreckage was located near Igbokoda. Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area after the incident.
The Presidency said the Nigerian Air Force would release the names of the personnel who died after their next of kin had been contacted and informed.
The crash has prompted mourning across the country as authorities begin investigations into one of Nigeria's deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years. The findings of the investigation are expected to provide more information about the circumstances that led to the crash.