President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning following the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, while on a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.

As part of the mourning period, the President directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the officers and other personnel who died in the crash.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.

The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation, noting that military personnel put their lives at risk daily in the service of the country.

“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for immediately activating search and rescue operations following the crash, while also acknowledging the efforts of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.

Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and asked God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the strength to bear the loss.

He also assured the Nigerian Air Force of his administration’s continued support as it carries out its responsibility of protecting the nation.

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

The aircraft, which had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State shortly after 9am on Monday.