Tinubu Declares Three-Day National Mourning After Ondo Military Plane Crash

President Tinubu has announced three days of national mourning for the victims of the military aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday, October 5. He further directed that flags nationwide be lowered to half-mast as a tribute to the officers and other people aboard the ill-fated flight. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that Tinubu "extends 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." Tinubu 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. 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 said. According to the Presidency, the Nigerian Air Force will disclose the victims' identities once their families have been informed. The passenger plane had been on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State just after 9 a.m.