Tinubu Mourns Fallen Air Force Personnel, Says Sacrifice Won’t Be Forgotten

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in the aircraft crash in Ondo State, saying their sacrifice in the service of the country will not be forgotten.

Tinubu expressed his condolences in a message posted on his verified X account on Tuesday following the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation, noting that Nigerian Air Force personnel routinely put their lives at risk to protect the country.

He also commiserated with the families of the deceased, stressing that the loss extended beyond the military personnel to spouses, children, parents, siblings and other loved ones who had expected them to return home.

“Behind every uniform is a family,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the personal loss suffered by the families of those who died.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash. The Service has released the names of the victims and said no survivors were found.

Tinubu said he had declared three days of national mourning and directed that the national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased.

He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to establish the cause of the crash and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The President commended the Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations following the accident, as well as the Ondo State Government and other first responders for their response at the crash site.

He said the nation would honour the service and sacrifice of the deceased, while praying for the repose of their souls and strength for their families and colleagues.

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed near Igbokoda on Monday.

The Defence Headquarters has also ordered an investigation into the accident, while search and recovery operations and other official procedures continue at the crash site.