A tragic aircraft crash occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday morning, resulting in the loss of several Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel. The ATR-42 aircraft, with tail number NGR 931, was on a routine flight carrying 32 people, including 25 passengers and seven crew members. The aircraft crashed into a swamp near a Naval Base, and recovery efforts are ongoing.
Among the deceased was Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, who had recently married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in Abuja. The NAF confirmed that five crew members and 20 passengers were aboard the aircraft, including various ranks of officers. The crew members who lost their lives were Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (co-pilot), Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A, and Corporal Uguru HC (both Aircraft Technicians).
According to Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane at around 9:13 a.m. after attempts to reach it by radio failed. The cause of the crash is still unknown, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, noted that the swampy conditions have made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the wreckage.
The Nigerian government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. Vice President Kashim Shettima and Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) have sent their sympathies, with Musa ordering a comprehensive investigation into the crash. He emphasized the need for stricter safety protocols to protect military personnel.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for an audit of defence budgets in light of the crash, citing concerns over the allocation for maintaining military aircraft. The party's statement highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of defence resources.
As the search continues, the community is expressing frustration with the slow recovery efforts and uncertainty regarding those still trapped in the wreckage. The NAF has opened a condolence register at its Abuja headquarters, inviting the public to pay their respects to the deceased personnel.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft and the need for enhanced maintenance and inspection procedures. The investigation into the crash is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key points
- The aircraft crash resulted in the loss of 32 lives, including 25 passengers and seven crew members.
- The Nigerian government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash and emphasized the need for stricter safety protocols.
- The African Democratic Congress has called for an audit of defence budgets, citing concerns over the allocation for maintaining military aircraft.
