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Nigeria is in deep mourning following Monday’s crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) maritime patrol/surveillance aircraft.
All 32 people onboard, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, died in the swampy terrain near Ita-Oko Island, Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, where the Lagos-bound aircraft went down.
The aircraft, which departed Benin City, the Edo State capital, a few minutes before 9am, lost contact with radar 13 minutes into the flight and crashed at about 9:26am.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night declared a three-day mourning period for the victims of the “painful” accident.
The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said: “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.
“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.”
The President directed that flags be flown at half-mast nationwide as a mark of respect for the service personnel onboard the aircraft.
Sources said some of the passengers onboard included women and children, but this could not be confirmed by the NAF last night.
