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Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash in Ondo State
A Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, crashed near the naval base at Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday, 5 October 2026. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that 25 people were on board, consisting of five active crew members and 20 passengers, including two non-active crew members and family members of military officers.
Questions regarding the cause of the crash have emerged following allegations from a victim's brother. He claims the aircraft developed a technical fault and stopped in Benin City for repairs before the flight, contradicting official reports that the mission was a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. He further alleges the flight actually originated in Abuja.
Activist Omoyele Sowore has called for an independent investigation, arguing that personnel involved in aircraft maintenance and procurement should not lead the probe. Sowore also criticized the handling of the wreckage at the crash site. Meanwhile, local residents have credited the pilot, Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime, with preventing a larger catastrophe by maneuvering the aircraft into a swamp rather than a populated area.
Entities
Ehimen Ejodame · Igbokoda · Mahmoud Aburime · Nigeria Police Force · Nigerian Air Force · Olatunji Rilwan Disu · Omoyele Sowore · Ondo State · Sunday Kelvin Aneke · Tunde Disu
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The passengers on board included family members of military officers. thepodiummedia.com · nannews.ng · www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · nigerianobservernews.com
- [DISPUTED] The NAF aircraft NAF 931 crash resulted in 25 fatalities, including 20 passengers and 5 active crew members. atlanticpostng.com · dailyreport.ng · thepodiummedia.com · www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · www.naijanews.com · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Nigerian Air Force is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. thepodiummedia.com · nannews.ng · www.thegeniusmedia.com.ng · nigerianobservernews.com
- [DISPUTED] The deceased's brother claims the flight originated in Abuja, contradicting reports that it was a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. gwg.ng · www.gistmania.com · www.gistreel.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The aircraft allegedly experienced a technical fault and stopped in Benin City for repairs before the crash. atlanticpostng.com · gwg.ng · www.gistmania.com · www.gistreel.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Omoyele Sowore has called for an independent investigation into the crash, arguing that maintenance and procurement personnel should not lead the probe. dailyreport.ng · www.naijanews.com · punchng.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Local residents credit the pilot with preventing a larger catastrophe by maneuvering the aircraft into a swamp rather than a populated area. chronicle.ng
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited the Chief of Air Staff to offer condolences following the crash. tribuneonlineng.com