By Nkechi Eze
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has mourned the 32 people reportedly killed in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for their responses to the tragedy.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, and made available to the press, the foundation expressed deep shock over the crash of the NAF ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NGR 931, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The foundation said the reported loss of 25 passengers and seven crew members was a painful tragedy for the affected families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, urging them to draw strength from the knowledge that the nation shares in their grief.
The foundation also paid tribute to the officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, describing their service and sacrifices to the country as noble and worthy of honour.
It commended President Tinubu for what it described as his compassionate and decisive response to the tragedy, including the declaration of three days of national mourning, the directive for national flags to fly at half-mast and the order for a thorough investigation into the crash.
The foundation also commended Air Marshal Aneke for his handling of the incident, particularly the prompt briefing of the President, activation of search and rescue operations and coordination with relevant agencies.
It called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, saying the process should help establish what happened and prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, the Grand Patron of the foundation, Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and other members of the Armed Forces.
Buratai assured the families of the fallen personnel and civilians that the sacrifices of their loved ones would remain honoured, while pledging the foundation’s solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and the wider military community.
He urged serving personnel to remain steadfast and proud of their calling, assuring them that their sacrifices were recognised and valued by the nation.
“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 also appealed to Nigerians to support the bereaved families, avoid circulating unverified information about the crash and continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
