NAF Confirms 25 Fatalities in Ondo Plane Crash

On October 6, 2026, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that all 25 individuals on board its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, perished when the plane crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin.

The five crew members included Squadron Leader MI Aburime (flight captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (co-pilots), and two technicians, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC. Among the 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, and several other military personnel, along with four civilians: Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke described the incident as a "deeply painful moment" and directed a comprehensive investigation into the crash. A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for well-wishers to sign.

The NAF urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.