Ondo Air Force crash: President Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning after the NAF 931 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with the Nigerian Air Force confirming 25 people died and releasing their names.
The Ondo Air Force crash has plunged Nigeria into mourning after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing everyone confirmed to have been on board. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning, ordered flags to fly at half-mast nationwide and directed a thorough investigation into what caused the tragedy.
The crash happened on Monday, October 5, 2026, while the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force has since released the names of the 25 people it says were aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
What happened in the Ondo Air Force crash
The aircraft disappeared from contact with air traffic controllers during its journey to Lagos on Monday morning.
According to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the aircraft was initially reported missing after attempts to raise it by radio failed. Its wreckage was later located close to a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The Federal Ministry of Information initially reported that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, giving a total of 32 people.
However, the Nigerian Air Force issued an updated account on Tuesday, October 6, saying its review of the aircraft’s manifest showed that 25 people were on board — five crew members and 20 passengers.
The updated figure is important because several early reports, including statements from government officials, carried the initial 32-person figure. The latest NAF account is the figure that should be used when reporting the confirmed number of people aboard the aircraft.
The Air Force also confirmed that no survivors had been found.
Tinubu declares three days of national mourning
Following the tragedy, President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in honour of the Air Force personnel and other victims of the crash.
The President directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect.
In his condolence message, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, while recognising the risks faced by military personnel in the course of their duties.
He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately begin a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The President commended the immediate search-and-rescue response and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
NAF releases names of 25 crash victims
The release of the victims’ names on Tuesday provided the first official identification of those aboard the aircraft.
The five crew members were
Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, an aircraft technician.
The passengers were identified 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, Sergeant Ani AE, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The Nigerian Air Force said the names were released after efforts to account for everyone on board.
Investigation begins as cause remains unknown
At this stage, authorities have not established what caused the aircraft to crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. That means reports about mechanical failure, weather, human error or any other possible cause should not be treated as fact until investigators reach a conclusion.
The Air Force has also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
The aircraft was an ATR-42, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft used by the Nigerian military for missions including transport and other operational duties. NAF 931 was one of the aircraft in the Nigerian Air Force’s ATR-42 fleet.
A tragedy that has drawn national mourning
The crash has prompted condolences from across Nigeria as families, colleagues and the wider military community come to terms with the loss.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a message issued on Tuesday, described the victims as colleagues, friends and comrades who had left on a routine mission in service to the country. He also stressed that behind the military ranks were families now facing the sudden loss of loved ones.
The Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects.
For now, the central questions surrounding the Ondo Air Force crash remain unanswered. Investigators are expected to establish what happened during the aircraft’s final moments and whether anything could have prevented the accident.
Until that investigation is completed, the confirmed facts remain clear: NAF 931 crashed near Igbokoda in Ondo State on October 5 while travelling from Benin to Lagos; the Nigerian Air Force’s latest account puts the number of people aboard at 25; no survivors have been found; their names have been released; and President Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning while a full investigation proceeds.
