President Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning for Air Force Personnel Killed in Aircraft Crash • President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period for personnel of the Nigerian Air Force who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash. • The President directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the fallen officers. • The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. • The aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. • President Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation. • He extended condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force. • The President said the sacrifices of Air Force personnel in defending and securing Nigeria would never be forgotten. • President Tinubu disclosed that he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. • He noted that the investigation is aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. • The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a prompt search and rescue operation following the accident. • The Nigerian Air Force is expected to release the names of those involved after their families have been formally notified.