Ondo Air Crash: Defence Minister, CDS Mourn NAF Crew, Passengers

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, have expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash in Ondo State, which claimed the lives of 32 people on board.

LEADERSHIP earlier reported that the military aircraft, with tail number NAF 931, crashed on Monday, 5 October 2026, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when the incident occurred.

He said military personnel and some members of their families were on board.

“On behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all persons involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the entire Armed Forces family.

“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large. Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” Uba said.

He added that, in compliance with the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the crash.

He said search-and-rescue operations by the NAF, in collaboration with other military services and emergency agencies, were continuing at the crash site.

The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures were ongoing.

Musa, in a separate statement, described the crash as a tragic loss involving officers and airmen who were on a routine mission.

He said the incident was “an irreparable blow” to the military and the nation, describing the deceased personnel as professionals who demonstrated “loyalty, commitment and devotion” to the defence of Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the Armed Forces, and most especially, the immediate families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes.

“We share in your immense grief and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you during this tragic hour,” he said.

Musa also commiserated with the families of the civilians who were on board the aircraft.

He said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and ensure that necessary operational safety protocols were reinforced across military aviation units.

The Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle, also described the incident as a “profound tragedy” and a painful reminder of the risks associated with military service.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Matawalle said he received the news of the crash with great sadness.

“I received with great sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 5 October 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board.

“The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation,” he said.

Matawalle said the courage and dedication of the personnel involved would not be forgotten, while extending his condolences to their families, colleagues and loved ones.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to personnel safety, operational standards and the fulfilment of their constitutional responsibility to defend the nation.

The ministers and the Defence Headquarters prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the loss.