President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash on Monday.
He also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.
Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo.
The aircraft, carrying 20 passengers and five crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
“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,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
The President had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the probe should help prevent future occurrences.
