Horror in Ondo: Air Force Confirms Ownership of Deadly Crashed Aircraft, 32 Feared Dead

A military aircraft, later identified as an ATR-42 belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Ebute Larada in Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. The tragic incident, which occurred close to the Naval Base, sent shockwaves through the riverine community, with residents reporting initial panic as emergency responders and security agencies rushed to the scene.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed the crash, stating that the aircraft, with registration number NGR 931, disappeared at approximately 9:13 a.m. while en route from Benin to Lagos. Air traffic controllers lost radio contact, prompting authorities to launch a search and rescue operation. Preliminary information from the Minister indicated that there were 32 individuals on board, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The wreckage of the aircraft has since been located.

The Nigerian Air Force, through its Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, also confirmed the incident. The NAF statement clarified that the ATR-42 aircraft was on a routine mission when the accident occurred. An immediate search and rescue operation was activated in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies to locate and assist those affected by the crash.

While initial reports from local sources feared many fatalities, official confirmation regarding the number of casualties or survivors had not been fully released at the time of reporting. Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, acknowledged the incident, noting that details were still emerging and urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. Minister Keyamo also clarified that the control and regulation of military aircraft fall outside the jurisdiction of his ministry and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), but pledged total cooperation and assistance to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in the ongoing rescue efforts. Further information is expected to be provided by emergency agencies and the NAF as the search and rescue operations continue.