President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day period of national mourning in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft in Ondo State.

 The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen officers.

 Tinubu had earlier expressed deep sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

 The aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred.

 Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, Tinubu said the sacrifice of military personnel who risk their lives in the service of the country would not be forgotten.

 “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,” the President said 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.

 Tinubu said the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

 According to the President, the investigation is aimed at establishing what led to the accident and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

 He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for promptly activating search and rescue operations following the crash.

 The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of the deceased personnel after their families have been formally contacted.

 The three-day mourning period and the directive to fly flags at half-mast are intended to honour the fallen personnel and recognise their service to the nation.