Ondo crash: Grief holds sway at DHQ, NAF Base Lagos, others

• Victims’ sacrifices, bravery won’t be forgotten –Tinubu, govs ν Co-pilot dies 16 days after wedding to fellow Air Force

• Tompolo’s PBT Door-to-Door suspends campaign in honour of victims

By **Philip Nwosu, Lagos; Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Molly Kilete, Ndubuisi Orji and Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja; and Bamigbola Gbolagunte, **Akure

President Bola Tinubu has assured families of those killed in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane crash that Nigeria shares their grief and will never forget the sacrifice of the fallen personnel, as officers and other ranks wept openly at military headquarters in Abuja and mourned their colleagues at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Lagos.

The Air Force released the identities of the 25 victims of Monday’s crash near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Olumuyiwa Abel, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the United States Mission in Nigeria, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army and the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement paid tribute to the deceased and expressed solidarity with their families.

Among the bereaved is Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, whose husband and fellow Air Force officer, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the aircraft’s co-pilots, died just 16 days after their wedding in Abuja.

The tragedy also prompted demands for accountability and stronger military aviation safety, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) seeking an audit of aircraft maintenance funding, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar calling for safety lessons, and the Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation demanding an investigation.

In a message on his verified X handle yesterday, Tinubu drew attention to the spouses, children, parents and siblings whose loved ones would never return home.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“Behind every uniform is a family. A spouse, a child, a parent, a brother or sister who expected their loved one home. Nigeria grieves with them,” he wrote.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his condolence message, assured the families that the Federal Government would stand beside them beyond the mourning period.

“Somewhere today, there is an empty chair. Somewhere, a family is still trying to comprehend the sudden silence left by someone who was expected to return home. These are the human faces of the supreme sacrifice we speak about as a nation.

“We cannot ask the bereaved to be strong today. Grief does not obey instructions. We can only assure them that Nigeria remembers, Nigeria mourns with them, and Nigeria will stand beside them beyond these days of mourning,” he said.

•25 victims identified

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that all five crew members and 20 passengers aboard the aircraft died.

The crew members were Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, flight captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru H.C., aircraft technician.

The passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F; Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.; Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.; Flight Sergeant James R.B.; Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.; Sergeant Ani A.E.; Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.; Sergeant Alafuka C; Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.; Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.; and Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.

Also named were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support. The Air Force opened a condolence register at its Abuja headquarters for government officials, diplomats, security chiefs and other well-wishers.

•Tears at military headquarters, Lagos base

At the Defence, Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters in Abuja, official activities were subdued as officers, soldiers and civilian staff gathered in small groups, discussed the tragedy and wept openly.

Daily Sun observed national and service flags flying at half-mast at military headquarters, training institutions and units in the Federal Capital Territory. Retired officers, business associates and other sympathisers visited to commiserate with serving personnel.

Some officers said their coursemates were among those killed, describing the deaths as a devastating loss to the Air Force and the country.

“This is a very sad moment for the NAF, the Nigerian military because we lost a total of 19 officers and airmen. It is very devastating, but we trust God to give us the strength to bear our grief,” one officer told Daily Sun.

He also questioned the circumstances in which contact with the aircraft was lost, claiming that no distress call had been received before communications ceased. The NAF has not officially confirmed that account.

At the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Lagos, the usually boisterous atmosphere was subdued as personnel of the Logistics Command and other units mourned their colleagues. National and command flags flew at half-mast, while several personnel wore black armbands.

According to reports, Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle married on September 19, 2026, as documented in their wedding invitation and photographs and videos shared by vendors involved in the ceremony.

Their Holy Matrimony took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, followed by a reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro. The groom was identified as the son of Group Captain Man-Ugwueje (retd).

•U.S., DHQ, Army offer solidarity

The U.S. Mission conveyed its condolences in a post on its official X account, hours after the Air Force released the victims’ names.

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria sends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of those lost in yesterday’s Nigerian Air Force crash,” it said.

“We stand with the people of Nigeria and remain committed to our strong security partnership.”

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that military personnel and some members of their families were aboard the aircraft.

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, it described the deaths as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, extending condolences to the bereaved and the Air Force.

“Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Uba said the investigation would be conducted in compliance with Tinubu’s directive and assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would remain committed to their constitutional mandate despite the loss.

“The sacrifice of our fallen heroes will continue to inspire our service to the nation,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and Air Force personnel on behalf of the Army’s officers, soldiers and civilian staff.

“The Nigerian Army stands in solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force and prays for strength and comfort for the families of the fallen personnel,” the Army’s statement said.

It prayed for the repose of the deceased, describing them as gallant servicemen who lost their lives in the course of duty.

•Governors honour bravery, service

The NGF, speaking for the 36 state governors, described the deaths of the military personnel and other passengers as a national tragedy.

In a statement issued by its Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, the forum’s chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, extended condolences to the bereaved and the Armed Forces.

“The NGF commends the ultimate sacrifice of the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, noting that their bravery and dedication to national security will always be remembered,” it said.

•Tompolo suspends movement’s campaigns

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has suspended its campaign activities for the 2027 presidential election for one week to mourn the military personnel killed in the crash.

In a statement, its National Coordinator, Comrade Sunday Asuku, said the suspension was directed by the movement’s Grand Patron, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Asuku quoted Tompolo as describing the crash as a painful and monumental loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.

“These officers paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, serving our country with courage, patriotism and unwavering commitment,” Tompolo said.

The movement extended condolences to Tinubu, the Armed Forces, the government and people of Ondo State, and the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

“We join Mr. President, who has already mourned this incident, in stating that the sacrifice of our Air Force and Naval personnel who put their lives on the line daily to secure Nigeria will never be forgotten.

“We commend the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigerian Navy, first responders, and local residents who braved difficult terrain to participate in the search and rescue operations,” the statement said.

The movement prayed for the repose of the deceased and strength for their families, while calling for an investigation into the accident.

“We also urge the military authorities to carry out a thorough and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” it said.

•ADC demands maintenance audit

The ADC demanded an examination of maintenance expenditure and budgetary releases for the Air Force fleet, alleging that military equipment had suffered from the non-implementation of defence budgets.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party called for an investigation alongside a review of the maintenance of defence equipment.

“While we do not intend to prejudice ongoing investigations into the cause of this tragic crash, we believe that this sad moment also provides an opportunity to raise, yet again, questions about the non-implementation of the defence budget and the perennial neglect of military equipment,” it said.

Citing figures the party described as official, Abdullahi claimed that, by December 2025, the Federal Government had released N4.5 billion out of ₦34.71 billion budgeted for NAF aircraft maintenance.

He contrasted this with the Presidential Air Fleet, claiming that ₦20.27 billion had been released out of a maintenance allocation of ₦20.74 billion over the same period.

“Put simply, while the fleet that serves a handful of people in power got almost every kobo it asked for, the fleet that serves and protects 200 million Nigerians was left with crumbs.

“The safety of the President matters. But what also matters is the safety of the pilots and airmen who put their lives on the line in defence of the country. Patriotism does not replace spare parts, and condolence messages do not take the place of accountability,” the party said.

The figures are claims made by the ADC and do not establish a link between budget releases and the crash.

•Atiku, Makinde seek safety answers, probe

Atiku called for the investigation to establish the cause of the accident and produce lessons that would strengthen aviation safety within the Armed Forces.

“These were men and women serving our country, alongside loved ones whose hopes, dreams and futures have been extinguished in one tragic moment,” he said.

“No words can adequately comfort parents who have lost children, children who have lost parents, or families suddenly deprived of their loved ones.”

He extended condolences to the bereaved, the Armed Forces, the government and people of Ondo State and Nigerians across the country.

The Makinde-Daura Presidential Campaign Organisation also demanded an investigation, saying the crash raised questions about the equipping and welfare of military personnel.

In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Richard Ihediwa, it argued that Nigeria’s resources should enable it to maintain a well-equipped and adequately remunerated military.

The organisation criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of military equipment and recalled the August 2023 Air Force helicopter crash in Shiroro, Niger State, during a casualty evacuation mission.

•HCSF directs mourning observance at MDAs

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Abel, directed Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Offices and federal civil servants to observe the three-day national mourning with dignity, solemnity and restraint.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, Abel said the National Flag and other appropriate official flags should be flown at half-mast across Federal Government offices and institutions throughout the mourning period, which began on October 6.

He said non-essential ceremonial, celebratory and social activities could be suspended or postponed in deference to the solemnity of the occasion.

Essential government business and official engagements would, however, continue where necessary, with due regard to the mourning period, he said.

Abel also directed that official communications, publicity materials and media engagements reflect the mood of the nation and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of the fallen personnel.

Extending condolences to the victims’ families, colleagues and loved ones, he described their deaths as a loss to the nation and paid tribute to their courage and dedication to Nigeria’s service and defence.

He said the mourning period provided an opportunity to honour the deceased and demonstrate solidarity with their families and the Armed Forces, urging civil servants to conduct themselves with dignity, restraint and decorum.

•Senate defers security summit

The Senate postponed its National Security Summit, scheduled for October 12 and 13, until further notice in honour of the victims.

Leader of the Senate and Chairman of its Ad-hoc Committee on the summit, Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the decision in a statement he personally signed.

The summit was convened to examine Nigeria’s security challenges and develop practical measures to protect lives and property, following zonal meetings to gather recommendations.

“With the declaration of national mourning, the Senate has resolved that the national security summit should be deferred till further notice in honour of the victims of the crash,” Bamidele said.

The Senate described the deceased personnel as gallant men and women who “paid the supreme price in active service to the fatherland,” adding that a new date would be announced in due course.

•PSNAFSA seeks equipment, welfare support

The Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) called for improved equipment, logistics, communications, aviation safety and welfare for security personnel.

The organisation acknowledged the efforts of Air Force personnel and other responders who managed the aftermath and urged the authorities to strengthen security agencies’ operational capacity.

“At PSNAFSA, we believe that supporting those who protect the nation is a collective responsibility. The men and women of our security agencies cannot be left to confront increasingly complex threats without the necessary institutional, operational and public support.”

It urged Nigerians not to become desensitised to the sacrifices of security personnel, stressing that every death left a family bearing the consequences of the loss.

•Aircraft history and investigation

The ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.

Military Africa reported in January 2025 that it had returned to Nigeria in late December 2024 after an extended maintenance stay at Rheinland Air Service in Mönchengladbach, Germany. The report said the reason for the prolonged stay had not been established.

That history does not establish the aircraft’s condition at the time of the accident or the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined.

Tinubu and Aneke ordered a comprehensive investigation. The President also declared three days of national mourning and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast.

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” Tinubu had said.

The NAF’s confirmed total of 25 differs from the preliminary account released on Monday by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and repeated in the Presidency’s initial statement, which put the number aboard at 32, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s latest statement did not explain the discrepancy.

The military promised verified updates and urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unconfirmed information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of affected families.

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