The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said 25 people were aboard the ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5th, 2026, which is fewer than the initial estimate of 32.
In a statement, the NAF said the aircraft, designated NAF 931, carried five crew members and 20 passengers on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. “No survivors have been found,” it said.
The statement was signed by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame. It named the crew as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, the flight captain, and co-pilots Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako.
The two aircraft technicians were Warrant Officer A. Abubakar and Corporal H.C. Uguru. Fourteen of the 20 passengers were listed with military ranks, from flight lieutenants to lance corporals.
The remaining six were named without ranks: Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola. The Defence Headquarters said the aircraft carried military personnel and some family members.
Ondo State Police Commissioner Felix Ohagwu described the site as a difficult area of creeks and mangroves and said he reached it by canoe. He added that the command was waiting for heavy equipment to pull the wreckage from the water.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has since sent a technical team led by its Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had said on Monday that rescuers found no living person at the scene.
Tinubu has ordered the NAF to begin a thorough investigation to prevent a repeat. He also declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances of the crash. The Defence Headquarters has begun its own investigation. No cause has been given.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said military crashes fall outside its jurisdiction unless the NAF invites it to investigate. It said its flight safety laboratory is ready to help with flight data analysis if asked.
The NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja. It urged the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of the bereaved families.
