…NAF opens Condolence Register.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has confirmed the death of all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
In a press statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2026, and shared in Kaduna by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives.
The CAS described the incident as a “deeply painful moment” for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
According to the statement, NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission, from Benin to Lagos, when the accident occurred.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board, but no survivors were found.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The passengers were listed as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Michael, Sunday Michael, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF stated that it will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, and urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
It also announced that a Condolence Register has been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
In a related event, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed deep pain over the tragic loss of 25 lives, comprising military personnel and crew, following the military plane crash at Igbokoda, in Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T.A. Muhammad-Baba, the Forum said the incident was tragic in all its ramifications, coming at a critical and challenging time for the nation.
The ACF noted that the loss of military officers is particularly unfortunate, given their expected role in the fight against insecurity, insurgency and terrorism, which are threatening national stability and development.
“This is not to forget the painful impact on families, friends and loved ones of the dead,” the Forum stated.
The Forum welcomed the resolve of the Federal Government to “thoroughly investigate” the circumstances surrounding the crash with a view to learning lessons and putting measures in place to avert future occurrences.
The ACF extended heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Nigeria, the Nigeria Air Force and the military establishment at large, as well as families, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“ACF prays that Almighty God will fortify all in the necessary faith and stoicism with which to bear the loss and quick return to what normalcy as may have to be managed,” the statement added.