Tinubu Declares Three Day National Mourning Over Ondo Military Aircraft Crash

President Bola Tinubu has declared a three day period of national mourning following the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half mast across the country in honour of the officers and other persons onboard the aircraft.

In a statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved in the crash, as well as the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.

Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, noting that Air Force personnel risk their lives daily in the service of Nigeria.

The President commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations following the crash, as well as first responders and the Ondo State Government for their response at the crash site.

The Presidency said the Nigerian Air Force would release the identities of the victims after their families had been notified.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State shortly after 9am on Monday, October 5.