Families, friends, and colleagues are mourning the loss of several Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel who were killed in an ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The tragedy struck during a routine flight on Monday morning, with the aircraft, tail number NGR 931, carrying 32 people—25 passengers and seven crew members—when it went down into a swamp near a Naval Base.
Among the deceased was Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, who had just married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle two weeks earlier on September 19, 2026, in a ceremony held in Abuja.
The NAF confirmed on Tuesday that five crew members and 20 passengers were aboard the aircraft. The crew included 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). Passengers included various ranks of officers.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo reported that air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane at around 9:13 a.m. after attempts to reach it by radio failed.
Recovery efforts are ongoing, but authorities are struggling due to challenging terrain, which has hindered access to the crash site. Ondo State Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu noted that the swampy conditions have made it difficult for rescue teams to reach the wreckage.
Vice President Kashim Shettima and Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd) have expressed their condolences, with Musa ordering a comprehensive investigation into the crash. He highlighted 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, highlighting concerns over the allocation for maintaining military aircraft.
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.
