Matawalle Mourns 32 NAF Personnel Killed in Ondo Aircraft Tragedy
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigerian Air Force personnel and crew members in the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had 32 people on board, comprising 25 officers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of the state on Monday, October 5, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Information Officer, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, the aircraft was on a routine operational mission from Benin to Lagos when the incident occurred.
Matawalle described the crash as “deeply tragic” and a painful loss to the Armed Forces of Nigeria, noting that the incident underscored the risks and sacrifices associated with military service.
The minister said the personnel lost their lives while serving the nation and contributing to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.
“I received with great sadness the news of the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which occurred today, Monday, 5th October, 2026, with 25 officers and seven crew members on board,” Matawalle said.
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He added, “The loss of these gallant personnel in the course of active service to our fatherland is a profound tragedy and a painful reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by members of our Armed Forces in the service of the nation.”
Matawalle commended the courage, dedication and commitment of the personnel involved, saying their service to Nigeria would not be forgotten.
“We honour the courage, dedication and service of all the personnel involved in this unfortunate incident. Their commitment to duty and service to Nigeria will not be forgotten,” he said.
The minister also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, their colleagues and comrades, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the wider 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.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and fortitude for their families and colleagues to bear the loss.
Matawalle 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.
By PRNigeria
