Senate Delays Security Summit After Ondo Air Force Crash

The Senate has postponed its two-day National Security Summit, originally set for October 12 and 13, 2026, due to the tragic crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of 25 officers and seven crew members. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, announced the postponement in a statement issued in Abuja.

This decision was made to honor the victims and in accordance with the three-day national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu. The summit was intended to address Nigeria's ongoing security challenges and develop strategies for enhancing the protection of lives and property.

Following the crash, President Tinubu ordered a thorough investigation and declared national mourning, directing flags to be flown at half-mast. The Senate expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and indicated that a new date for the summit would be announced later.