Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed condolences to the families of the Nigerian Air Force personnel and other victims who lost their lives in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The governor also sympathised with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the wider Nigerian Armed Forces over the tragedy.

The crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, after a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft operating a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos went down near Igbokoda in Ondo State. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, with no survivors.

In a condolence statement issued on October 5 by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described the incident as a deeply painful national tragedy.

He acknowledged the risks faced by military personnel who continue to serve in challenging operational environments while working to protect the country and its territorial integrity.

Ododo commended the Nigerian Air Force, the Ondo State Government and emergency response agencies for their efforts following the crash, particularly the search-and-rescue operation activated after the aircraft went down.

The governor also joined other Nigerians in mourning the victims and offered the support and prayers of the Kogi State Government and people to the bereaved families and the military community.

His condolence comes as the country continues to mourn the loss. President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning following the crash and directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Chief of the Air Staff has also ordered a comprehensive investigation, while the Nigerian Air Force has appealed to the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified information as the inquiry progresses.

Governor Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims and asked God to give their families, colleagues and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.

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Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia