RismadarVoice Reporters
October 6, 2026
The National Emergency Management Agency has deployed a specialised search-and-rescue team to the site of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crash near Igbokoda in Ondo State.
NEMA Director-General, Zubaida Umar, directed the agency’s Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a technical team to the crash site to reinforce ongoing search and recovery operations.
The deployment is expected to provide additional technical and operational support to emergency responders working in the area.
The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos. It was carrying 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members. Authorities have confirmed that those on board died in the crash.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the victims.
The President has also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
NEMA said its intervention was aimed at strengthening coordination among agencies involved in the response and ensuring that appropriate resources and technical expertise were available for the operation.
Umar commended the rapid activation of search-and-rescue efforts following the crash and reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to provide further assistance as operations continue.
She described the incident as a painful loss to the country and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerian Air Force personnel in the service of the nation.
The NEMA director-general extended condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force community and the families of those who died.
She also prayed for the repose of the victims and strength for their families as search and recovery operations continue at the crash site.
