President Bola Tinubu says he is saddened over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday and has declared a three-day national mourning over the Ondo military aircraft crash,
He also ordered a probe into the incident and directed that flags should be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect to the officers, who died.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred.
The President extended his deepest condolences to the family of the 25 passengers and seven crew members involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.
A military source confirmed to CPCNEWS that there were no survivors, as all 32 persons aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
“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, Onanuga wrote.
“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate Search and Rescue operation following the accident..
“I pray for the repose of the souls of the gallant officers and for Almighty God to grant their families and the Nigerian Air Force the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.
“I assure the Nigerian Air Force of the continued support of our administration as they continue their vital role in securing our nation.
“I also commend the swift response of first responders and the Ondo State Government at the crash site.”