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President orders flags to fly at half-mast nationwide and directs investigation into military aircraft crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

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

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.

The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members at the time of the crash. Authorities later confirmed that the personnel on board died in the incident.

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 described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.

The President said the sacrifices of Nigerian Air Force personnel who put their lives on the line in service to the country would not be forgotten.

Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, with the aim of preventing similar incidents in the future.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations following the crash and also acknowledged the response of first responders and the Ondo State Government.

The crash occurred after air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with the aircraft while it was travelling towards Lagos. The wreckage was later located near Igbokoda, with the difficult terrain posing challenges to rescue and recovery operations.

The Presidency said the names of the deceased Air Force personnel would be released after their families had been formally contacted.

The national mourning period is expected to provide an opportunity for Nigerians to honour the personnel who lost their lives while serving the country, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.