By Miriam Humbe
The Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Humanity Care Foundation has mourned the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NGR 931, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos on Monday, October 5, 2026, when it crashed.
The manifest released on Tuesday by the Nigerian Air Force revealed that 25 persons were on board the ill-fated plane, with 20 passengers and five crew members, who all died in the incident.
The condolence was contained in a statement signed by the Chairman of the Foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani.
The foundation said its hearts were heavy and commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces and families of the victims.
“We mourn with the President and Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, and every family touched by this painful loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the servicemen and women and the civilians who lost their lives,” the statement said.
It urged personnel of the Armed Forces not to allow the tragedy to weaken their resolve, adding that their service and sacrifice would not be forgotten.
The foundation commended President Tinubu for declaring a three-day national mourning, directing that national flags fly at half-mast and ordering a thorough investigation into the crash.
It also commended the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for his handling of the incident, including search and rescue operations and coordination with relevant agencies.
The Grand Patron of the Foundation, Amb. Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), in a message conveyed through the foundation, assured families of the fallen, both military and civilians, that their loved ones died in service to the nation and their sacrifice would be honoured.
“We cannot bring back our fallen heroes, but we can honour them by standing with their families, by caring for the living, and by never forgetting their sacrifice. The Nigerian Air Force and our Armed Forces should be assured that the nation is with them,” Buratai said.
The foundation called on Nigerians to support the bereaved families, avoid spreading unverified information and pray for the repose of the departed souls.
