The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026, has claimed the lives of several passengers, including a young man who was due to begin his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation and the partner of a grieving woman who has since broken her silence.
In a viral video, the woman expressed her devastation, recalling that her partner told her he was travelling to Abuja without any hint of the danger that lay ahead. "It's Abuja you told me you were going to, you didn't mention you won't come back. You left me," she said, her words capturing the shock and grief of sudden loss.
NYSC Graduate's Changed Plans End in Tragedy
Among the confirmed victims is Ukeme David, a fresh graduate who had travelled to Benin City to complete his clearance for the National Youth Service Corps. He had originally planned to return to Lagos on Wednesday, October 7, but a family request prompted him to board the aircraft two days earlier to care for his sister while their mother was away.
A family member, who asked not to be named, described the loss as devastating. "He was a very intelligent student. He left Benin in the aircraft to come and look after his sister, when his mother was to return this weekend. He had intended to come on Wednesday, but Monday became his last day. He was an only son," the source said.
The same family source also revealed that another victim was the son of an Air Force personnel, and that Flying Officer IM Adeshina had distinguished himself academically. "For Flying Officer IM Adeshina, he was the best student during his NDA," the source added, referring to the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The family also expressed concern about weather conditions at the time of the crash, though no official cause has been established. "We are suspecting weather because information in the area said the weather was not too good. But that is not our concern. Our immediate concern now is to get their corpses and those of others for burial," the source said.
Sonar Survey Launched to Locate Submerged Aircraft
Exactly 48 hours after the crash, authorities launched an underwater survey using side-scan sonar equipment to map the crash site and pinpoint the aircraft's position beneath the water. The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, deployed the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department with the specialised equipment to get a clearer picture of the submerged area, given the turbid conditions of the swamp.
Navy divers and Air Force drone pilots are working alongside the sonar team, with a swamp buggy on standby for excavation once the aircraft's precise location is confirmed.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, and Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdul Suleh visited the crash site by boat to assess the operation. Rear Admiral Mustapha conveyed appreciation from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, to Ondo State government and community leaders for their continued support.
Officials Pledge Enhanced Safety Collaboration
Separately, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Air Force on safety, airworthiness, and training. Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also visited NAF headquarters in Abuja to sign the condolence register.
Legit.ng earlier reported that influential Obidient movement figure Serah Ibrahim has publicly named five people she knew personally among those who died in the crash. In a post shared on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, October 7, Ibrahim paid tribute to Chikaodi, George Eledan, Aham Manchester, Ukeme Maradona and Brother Isaac, each of whom she remembered with personal recollections that brought the human cost of the tragedy into sharp focus.
The crash has triggered a wave of grief across the nation, with authorities continuing their search and recovery efforts. The deployment of sonar equipment and the ongoing collaboration between military and civilian agencies underscore the seriousness of the response, while families await the return of their loved ones for burial.
