President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the deadly military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also ordered flags across Nigeria to be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.
A military source confirmed that all 32 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash.
The Ondo aircraft crash involved 25 passengers and seven crew members travelling from Benin City to Lagos.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission when it crashed around Igbokoda in Ondo State.
The incident happened shortly after 9am near a naval base, according to the information released by authorities.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu expressed condolences to the victims’ families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The President also sympathised with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
“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 was quoted as saying.
He praised the Nigerian Air Force for starting search-and-rescue efforts immediately after the accident.
“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.
Tinubu also ordered a full investigation into what caused the accident.
He said the probe should help prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences”.
The Air Force is expected to release the victims’ identities after their families are formally notified.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the aircraft crashed near a naval base.
The aircraft was identified as an ATR-42, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft.
Residents near the crash site described hearing a loud sound around the time of the incident.
A local resident, Dayo Akinte, said she initially thought the sound was thunder.
The Ondo aircraft crash has renewed attention on the risks faced by military personnel during national operations.
