NAF to hold memorial for 25 Ondo plane crash victims

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will hold a memorial service on November 26 for the 25 people killed in the October 5 crash of its NAF 931 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as investigations into the tragedy continue.

The service and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, allowing the victims’ families, colleagues, friends and members of the Air Force community to pay their last respects.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the event would honour the victims’ memories and recognise their service and sacrifice.

The Air Force also confirmed that the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder had been recovered alongside other wreckage and relevant evidence from the crash site.

It said data retrieved from the recorder was being analysed and would contribute to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to the statement, the investigation is progressing in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The NAF said recovery operations had yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments, while identification of the recovered remains was still ongoing.

It attributed the challenges facing the operation to the swampy terrain and the depth at which some wreckage had penetrated the ground.

The Service added that it was working with relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery exercise and ensure proper remediation after the operation.

The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the investigation with professionalism, transparency and accountability, while continuing to support the families of the victims.

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The NAF ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931/NGR 931 and configured for maritime patrol and related duties, crashed in a swampy area near Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, while flying from Benin City to Lagos.

The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. The Air Force subsequently confirmed that all 25 occupants died.

Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered an investigation into the incident.

The NAF later constituted a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board to establish the circumstances and possible causes of the crash.