By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed deep sorrow over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which involved 32 personnel on board.
According to a statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, the aircraft, carrying 25 officers and seven crew members, was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Matawalle described the crash as a deeply tragic and painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, saying the death of personnel in the course of duty underscored the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.
In his condolence message, the Minister said the loss of the personnel was “a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation.”
He said the courage, dedication and service of the personnel involved in the incident would not be forgotten, adding that their commitment to duty and service to Nigeria remained worthy of honour.
Matawalle extended his condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence, I join the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in extending our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over this painful loss,” he said.
The Minister prayed that Almighty God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to safeguarding the lives of military personnel, maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities in defence of the nation.
