NAF to honour Ondo crash victims with Nov 26 memorial

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has scheduled a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony for November 26 in honour of personnel who died in the crash of its ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The ceremony, which will take place at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, is expected to bring together bereaved families, colleagues, friends and members of the military community to pay their last respects to the victims.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, announced the arrangements in a statement, describing the ceremony as an opportunity to honour the memories, service and sacrifice of the deceased personnel.
He said the wreath-laying would serve as a formal expression of the Air Force's enduring respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives in the October 5, 2026 incident.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has confirmed the recovery of the aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), alongside other wreckage and relevant evidence from the crash site.
Ejodame said data retrieved from the recorder was being analysed and would contribute significantly to the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

He disclosed that the investigation was progressing in collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
“The NAF remains committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability and responsibility,” he said.

The spokesman added that recovery operations had yielded several human remains and aircraft fragments, while the identification of recovered remains was ongoing.
He, however, acknowledged that the exercise had been particularly difficult because of the swampy nature of the crash site and the depth to which some parts of the aircraft had penetrated the ground.

According to him, the Air Force is also working with relevant agencies to address environmental concerns arising from the recovery operation and ensure appropriate remediation after its completion.
Ejodame said the service recognised the grief of families who lost loved ones and remained committed to supporting them throughout the difficult period.

He also appreciated relevant government agencies, host communities and other stakeholders for their cooperation in the recovery and investigation efforts.
The NAF reiterated its commitment to a thorough investigation and the dignified remembrance of all personnel who died in the crash.