President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members.

Tinubu, in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.

He said the sacrifice of the personnel, who put their lives on the line in service to the country, would not be forgotten.

The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing a recurrence.

He also commended the Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.

The three-day mourning period was declared in honour of the personnel who lost their lives while serving the country.

The identities of the deceased are expected to be released by the Nigerian Air Force after their families have been formally contacted.