The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed grief over the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising 19 military personnel and six civilians, when the aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred.
Matawalle described the crash as a “profound tragedy” and a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces in the service of the country.
“I received with profound sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 05 October 2026,” the minister said.
“The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation.”
Matawalle said the courage and dedication of the personnel involved would not be forgotten.
“We honour the courage, dedication and service of all the personnel involved in this unfortunate incident. Their commitment to duty and service to Nigeria will not be forgotten,” he said.
He extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as their colleagues and the Nigerian Air Force.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I join the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over this painful loss,” Matawalle said.
He prayed for the repose of the deceased and strength for their families and loved ones.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the departed eternal rest and gives their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the safety of military personnel and the highest standards of operational safety.
Investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
