Ondo crash: NAF recovers more aircraft components

The Nigerian Air Force has recovered additional components from its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as multi-agency teams sustain search and recovery operations at the accident site.

The Air Force disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, noting that specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau were continuing underwater search and recovery operations in collaboration with its recovery team.

The recovery efforts involve hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to provide access to areas of interest.

The NAF said the teams were working day and night to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation.

“Additional aircraft components have been recovered as efforts continue to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.

The latest development comes as investigators continue efforts to recover relevant evidence from the crash site to support the investigation into the accident.

Okpebholo mourns pilot

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime as a courageous officer, saying his death is a painful loss to Nigeria.

Aburime, an indigene of Edo State, was the pilot of Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, killing all on board.

In a statement he signed on Wednesday, the governor mourned Aburime, saying his thoughts and prayers were with the deceased’s wife, daughter, parents and everyone affected by the tragedy.

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“The death of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, a proud son of Edo State and an officer of the Nigerian Air Force, is a painful loss to his family, our state and the country.

“As governor of Edo State, I mourn the loss of one of our own. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, parents and everyone affected by this tragedy. While no words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, I want his family to know that Edo State grieves with them.

“Aburime hailed from Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area, my home community. His death is, therefore, a painful loss not only to Edo State and Nigeria but also to a community that can no longer celebrate the presence of one of its sons who served his country with dedication.

“As someone who shares roots with him, I feel this loss deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Uwessan community at this difficult time.

“What also stands out about his life is his humility. While studying Mass Communication at the University of Benin, he did not flaunt his military rank. His classmates remembered him as a quiet, gentle man who often sat at the back of the lecture hall.

“I find this particularly touching. Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance.

“Despite his demanding military career, he continued his education and sat a make-up examination at the university just days before the crash.

“His determination to keep learning speaks volumes about his character. Sadly, his future has been cut short,” Okpebholo said.

He condoled with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, Aburime’s colleagues and coursemates, and the families of all those who died in the crash.

“To the young people of Edo State, Aburime’s life offers an important lesson. His commitment to service, education, discipline and humility is an example worth following. He served his country while continuing to improve himself and helping others prepare for their own responsibilities,” he added.