Peter Obi Visits NAF Facility in Abuja to Mourn Crash Victims After Deadly Ondo Air Disaster
Abuja, Nigeria—October 6, 2026—Former Anambra State Governor and Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi on Tuesday visited the Nigerian Air Force facility in Abuja to formally sign the condolence register following the tragic crash of a military aircraft that claimed 25 lives.
The visit came a day after Obi had issued an initial statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. In a post shared on his official X account, he described the trip as an opportunity to reflect on the daily sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“These courageous Nigerians put their lives on the line to defend our nation and protect our people. We must never take their service and sacrifice for granted,” Obi wrote.
He extended his deepest condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the deceased, their colleagues, and loved ones, praying for eternal rest for the departed and strength for the bereaved.
The Crash That Shook the Nation
On Monday, October 5, 2026, a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft with tail number NGR 931 crashed near a naval base in the swampy area of Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The plane was on a routine mission from Benin City in Edo State to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at approximately 9:13 a.m. local time.
Initial reports from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo indicated 32 people were on board — 25 passengers and seven crew members.
President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the loss of all aboard and declared three days of national mourning, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the country.
By Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force revised the figure, confirming that 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — had died, with no survivors found.
The service released the names of the victims after notifying their families and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Some civilian family members were among those on the flight.
The ATR-42, configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance as well as maritime operations, went down in difficult terrain, complicating recovery efforts. Search-and-rescue teams worked to locate the wreckage and recover the remains.
A Moment of National Reflection
Obi’s visit to the Air Force facility underscored a broader outpouring of national grief. In his earlier message on Monday, he had already paid tribute to the fallen, stressing that their service must never be overlooked.
The formal signing of the condolence register on Tuesday reinforced that message of solidarity with the military.
President Tinubu described the crash as “a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” while promising a thorough probe to prevent future occurrences.
Other political and public figures have similarly expressed condolences, highlighting the risks faced daily by security personnel.
As Nigeria observes the period of national mourning, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved families and ensuring a transparent investigation.
The Air Force has urged the public to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the victims’ relatives.
Obi’s gesture, coming amid his preparations as a 2027 presidential contender, reflects a consistent public stance of honouring the sacrifices of those in uniform—a theme he has returned to after previous military incidents.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find the fortitude to endure this profound loss.
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