By Sandra Kenneth
The Ghana Air Force has extended its deepest condolences to the Nigerian Air Force following the devastating crash of an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, which claimed 25 lives.
In a formal message sent on Thursday, the Ghanaian Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, conveyed his sympathies to his Nigerian counterpart, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, as well as to the bereaved families and the entire military service.
Shared Grief and Solidarity
The tragic October 5, 2026 accident deeply resonates with the Ghanaian military. Drawing from the Ghana Air Force’s own painful experience of a fatal aviation incident a year prior, Air Vice Marshal Agyen-Frempong acknowledged the profound grief associated with such disasters.
“Drawing from the GHAF’s own tragic loss a year ago, he acknowledged the profound grief associated with such incidents and reaffirmed the Service’s solidarity with the Nigerian Air Force during this difficult period,” the statement read.
The service noted that its past tragedy reinforced its understanding of the heartbreak currently experienced by the victims’ families and the Nigerian military, closing with a heartfelt tribute: “May the departed souls rest in eternal peace.”
Background of the Crash
The ill-fated Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft (tail number NAF 931) crashed into a swamp near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The flight had departed Benin City en route to Lagos when it abruptly lost contact with air traffic controllers. Tragically, all 25 people on board—comprising 20 passengers and 5 crew members—perished in the disaster. Joint search-and-rescue operations were swiftly deployed, involving personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Marine Police, and Nigerian Air Force.
In the wake of the national tragedy, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning, directing that all national flags be flown at half-mast. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the crash and has urged the public to refrain from speculation while the inquiry is underway.
