Matawalle Mourns 32 NAF Personnel, Crew Members Killed in Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which had 32 people on board comprising 25 officers and seven crew members, was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred near a naval base on October 5, 2026.

Matawalle described the crash as a “profound tragedy” and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that the incident underscored the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.

In a condolence message issued by the Ministry of Defence, the minister honoured the courage and dedication of the personnel involved, saying their commitment to duty and service to the nation would not be forgotten.

He said the loss of the personnel in active service was a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of the Armed Forces in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I join the President Bola Tinubu, in extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over this painful loss,” Matawalle said.

He prayed for the eternal rest of the deceased and strength for their families, colleagues and loved ones to bear the irreparable loss.

The minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to protecting the lives of military personnel, maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and fulfilling their constitutional responsibility of defending the nation.