Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sadness over the loss of 25 lives in a military aircraft crash in Ondo State. The crash, which occurred on October 6, 2026, involved an ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931, that was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Atiku described the tragedy as heartbreaking, saying it had extinguished "lives of service, promise and innocence" in a devastating incident.
The aircraft crash claimed the lives of five crew members and 20 passengers, including Nigerian Air Force personnel, soldiers, and civilians. The Nigerian Air Force released the identities of the victims, who were serving in various capacities. Atiku extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, noting that the loss would be particularly painful for parents, children, and relatives who had suddenly lost their loved ones.
Atiku also expressed sympathy for the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as well as the governments and people of Nigeria and Ondo State. He prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed in the crash and strength for their families and the country to bear the loss. The former vice-president's reaction came after the Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident and activated search-and-rescue operations.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful moment for the Air Force and the country. Aneke has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The development also prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a three-day national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the accident.
President Tinubu directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased. The president also ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the findings should help prevent similar occurrences in the future. The NAF urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid speculation as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Air Force also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families. A condolence register has been opened at the NAF headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs, and other well-wishers to pay their respects. The incident has sent shockwaves across the country, with many Nigerians mourning the loss of lives.
The incident has highlighted the risks faced by military personnel and the need for thorough investigations into such incidents. The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide insights into the cause of the crash and inform measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The nation continues to mourn the loss of the victims, with many paying tribute to their memory.
Key points
- - 25 people died in the military aircraft crash in Ondo State, Nigeria. - Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives, describing the tragedy as heartbreaking. - President Bola Tinubu declared a three-day national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the accident.
