Ondo Air Crash: 25 Killed in Nigerian Air Force Plane Crash

October 6, 2026

Horror in Ondo as Military Helicopter Crashes, Multiple Deaths Feared

A Nigerian Air Force aircraft has crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was an ATR-42 carrying five crew members and 20 passengers. It was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Nigerian Air Force Aircraft Crashes in Igbokoda

The aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.

Initial reports said the aircraft was carrying 32 people, with 25 passengers and seven crew members. However, the Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that 25 people were actually on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

The aircraft disappeared from radar during its journey from Benin City to Lagos before the wreckage was located in the Igbokoda area.

Local reports said the crash happened in a difficult, swampy area close to a river, making access to the site challenging.

No Survivors Found After Ondo Air Crash

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that no survivors had been found following the crash.

Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with military personnel and other relevant authorities working to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.

The Nigerian Air Force later released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the crash.

The crew members were:

Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain
Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot
Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot
Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician
Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician

The 20 passengers included other Nigerian Air Force personnel and civilians.

What Caused the Nigerian Air Force Plane Crash?

The cause of the Ondo air crash remains unknown.

The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused NAF 931 to crash while travelling from Benin to Lagos.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

The Air Force has also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

Tinubu Declares Three Days of National Mourning

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning following the deaths.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the victims.

Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those who died and directed the Nigerian Air Force to carry out a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Tinubu said in his response to the tragedy.

Ondo Community Reacts to Deadly Air Crash

The crash has caused grief in Igbokoda and across Ondo State.

The coastal community is located in Ilaje Local Government Area, where the difficult terrain around the crash site presented challenges for rescue teams.

Authorities have continued recovery and investigation efforts at the site as the Nigerian Air Force works to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The crash is now one of the major military aviation tragedies in Nigeria in recent years, with all 25 people aboard NAF 931 confirmed dead.