NAF Air Crash: UBA Condoles Air Force, Assures Personnel, Families Of Support

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has extended condolences to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and families of those killed in the NAF 931 aircraft crash, while assuring personnel and their loved ones of the bank’s support.

The bank’s group managing director/chief executive officer, Oliver Alawuba, made the pledge during a condolence visit to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, at NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

He also signed the condolence register opened in honour of the victims.

The ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5 during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos, killing all 25 people on board—five crew members and 20 passengers.

Alawuba conveyed UBA’s sympathy to the Air Force leadership, personnel and bereaved families, saying the loss was deeply felt beyond the military community.

“I felt it was important to come personally to convey my heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire Nigerian Air Force over this tragic loss,” he said. “Please accept my condolences and extend them to all the families affected by this tragedy.”

He said UBA recognised the burden on the families and the wider NAF community, and prayed for strength and comfort for those mourning the deceased.

Alawuba said the bank’s support for the NAF would go beyond the immediate period of mourning, stressing that UBA remained committed to the welfare of serving personnel and their families.

“Please be assured of our friendship and support. UBA stands with the Nigerian Air Force and remains committed to supporting the welfare of its personnel and their loved ones,” he said.

UBA said its relationship with the NAF includes banking services for military personnel and their families, as well as support for the service’s development initiatives. The bank framed the condolence visit as an expression of solidarity with an institution that continues to serve the country at personal risk.

The pledge aligns with the NAF’s own assurance that the welfare of families of the deceased remains a priority. The Chief of Air Staff has reaffirmed support for personnel, families and children of the fallen officers, including scholarship support for some children of the deceased.

The crash has prompted condolence messages from government officials, security agencies and corporate organisations, with a condolence register opened at NAF Headquarters for well-wishers.

UBA said the gesture reflected its broader commitment to placing people at the centre of its business through institutional partnerships, customer-focused financial services and investments in youth empowerment and sustainable development.

The bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, and says it serves more than 45 million customers globally.