By Miriam Humbe
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has mourned the officers and crew members who died in Monday’s crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, with 32 persons on board 25 officers and seven crew members was on a routine operational flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
The Minister’s statement was signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.
In a condolence message on Monday, Matawalle described the incident as a tragic and painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He said the death of the personnel in active service underscores the risks and sacrifices associated with military service and commitment to the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.
“I received with great sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 5th October, 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board.
“The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy,” he said.
“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 added.
Matawalle extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force and families of the deceased, praying for the repose of their souls.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence to personnel welfare, operational safety and constitutional responsibilities.
