[President Bola Ahmed Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Ahmed_Tinubu) declared a three‑day national mourning period for the victims of the air disaster that occurred on Monday in [Ondo State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ondo_State).
He also instructed that flags across the nation be lowered to half‑mast as a sign of respect for those who perished.
Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the decision in a statement released on Monday.
President Tinubu had previously expressed sorrow over the crash involving an [Nigerian Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Air_Force) ATR‑42 aircraft.
The accident happened close to a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The plane, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down.
The presidential communiqué read, “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,” and added that President Tinubu conveyed his condolences to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal [Sunday Kelvin Aneke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Kelvin_Aneke), as well as to all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force.
“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.
“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident.”
He noted that the Air Force will release the names of the officers after notifying their families.