President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period in honour of Nigerian Air Force personnel who lost their lives in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

The President also ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country to honour the deceased officers.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The aircraft was reportedly carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when the accident occurred.

Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the incident, describing it as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation.

“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 President said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and members of the Nigerian Air Force.

The President directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash and take measures to prevent a similar incident in the future.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for quickly activating search and rescue operations following the accident.

According to the statement, the names of the personnel who died will be released after their families have been formally notified.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier confirmed on X that the aircraft crashed near a naval base.

Both Keyamo and President Tinubu identified the aircraft as an ATR-42, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft designed to carry between 30 and 50 passengers.