Malawi Freedom Network 
By MFN News Desk Team
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President has also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across Nigeria as the country honours the military personnel who lost their lives in the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The aircraft was carrying 32 people — 25 passengers and seven crew members — when the accident occurred.
Tinubu Mourns Fallen Military Personnel
President Tinubu described the crash as a painful moment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces and the wider nation.
He paid tribute to the military personnel, saying members of the Nigerian Air Force routinely put their lives at risk in the service of the country.
“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.
The President’s declaration of national mourning is intended to honour the deceased personnel and recognise their service to Nigeria.
Investigation Ordered Into Aircraft Crash
Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to the President, the Chief of Air Staff has already briefed him on the incident.
“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,” he said.
The investigation is expected to establish what caused the aircraft to go down and determine whether mechanical, operational, weather-related or other factors contributed to the accident.
Search and Rescue Operation
The crash prompted an immediate response from Nigerian authorities, with emergency and security agencies mobilising to locate the aircraft and respond to the incident.
The wreckage was reportedly located in the Igbokoda area, close to a naval facility.
Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation and recovery efforts continue.
National Mourning
During the three-day mourning period, Nigerian flags will be flown at half-mast nationwide in honour of the military personnel who died.
The development marks a solemn moment for Nigeria’s Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Air Force, as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident has also renewed attention on aviation safety and the risks faced by military personnel carrying out operational and routine missions.
Further details on the identities of those who died, the recovery operation and the findings of the investigation are expected to emerge as authorities continue their work.
Malawi Freedom Network will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
