The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, describing the incident as a painful loss to the nation and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Godknows Boladei Igali, on October 6, 2026, PANDEF said its Board of Trustees and National Leadership received the news of the crash with “deep shock and pain.”
The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR-42 and that there were no survivors. Initial official reports put the number of people aboard at 32, but the NAF later stated that 25 people—20 passengers and five crew members—were on board.
PANDEF said the tragedy was particularly painful for the South-South region, noting that several people from the region were among those affected.
“Although we, as a people from the South-South are grievously affected, as several of our sons are among those listed as victims of this loss, we nonetheless convey our heartfelt condolences to all the families directly affected as well as to the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and all the people of Nigeria,” Igali said.
The forum described the victims, many of whom were young Nigerians serving in the Armed Forces, as having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“There is no greater sacrifice than this, and Nigeria will always honour them individually and collectively,” the PANDEF chairman said.
The forum also urged Nigerians to use the period of national mourning to pray for the bereaved families and members of the Armed Forces serving in various theatres of operation.
President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning following the crash and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
PANDEF further called on the Federal Government to strengthen investment in military aviation, equipment maintenance and operational readiness.
“The tragic occurrence also underscores the imperative need for the Federal Government to prioritize continuous investments in the combat readiness and equipment maintenance of our military personnel,” Igali stated.
The forum also demanded a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine whether any factors could have contributed to the incident.
“We urge a thorough and full investigation to ascertain all available circumstances that might have contributed to this and similar calamities,” he said.
PANDEF called on Nigerians to remain united in support of efforts to strengthen peace and security across the country amid ongoing security challenges.
The forum said such unity was necessary to protect the lives and wellbeing of citizens while ensuring that members of the Armed Forces receive the support required to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Igali concluded by extending PANDEF’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Nigerian nation.
Kindly share
