A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, killing all 25 people on board. The ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, was en route from Benin to Lagos during a routine mission when the incident occurred.
The NAF has released the names of all 25 victims, including military personnel and civilians. Air Marshal Aneke, the Chief of Defence Staff, has ordered an investigation into the crash. The Ondo State Government has deployed medical teams and ambulances to the crash site to assist with recovery efforts.
This incident has prompted calls for an audit of defence spending and aircraft maintenance. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned the funding and maintenance practices of the Nigerian Air Force, citing the crash as a consequence of inadequate resources. President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning period and ordered the national flag to be flown at half-mast as a tribute to the deceased.
The crash highlights ongoing concerns about the safety and operational readiness of the Nigerian military aviation fleet. The investigation is expected to provide further details on the cause of the accident.
