President Bola Tinubu declares three days of national mourning following the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The president also orders that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of those who died in the crash.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says Tinubu extends his condolences to the families of the 25 passengers and seven crew members onboard the aircraft, as well as the Nigerian Air Force.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Mr Onanuga quotes the president as saying.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The president commends the Nigerian Air Force for immediately activating a search and rescue operation after the aircraft goes down.
He also praises first responders and the Ondo State Government for their swift response at the crash site.
“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,” Tinubu says.
The Presidency says the Nigerian Air Force will release the identities of the victims after their families are formally notified.
The aircraft is on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashes at Igbokoda in Ondo State.
