Ondo Military Plane Crash: Nigerian Air Force Clarifies 25 People Were on Board, Not 32

 

By Atlantic Reports

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that 25 people, rather than 32, were aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The clarification follows conflicting reports about the number of people on the aircraft, prompting the military to explain how aviation terminology may have contributed to the discrepancy.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, October 10, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said official records established that 25 people were on board.

According to him, the figure comprised 20 passengers and five active crew members. Two additional personnel classified as non-active crew members were included among the 20 passengers.

The Air Force said its verified passenger information was released following search and recovery operations and engagement with affected families.

How the Confusion Over Passenger Numbers Arose

Ejodame explained that reports suggesting 32 people were aboard the aircraft may have resulted from a misunderstanding of standard aviation terminology.

He referred to the expression “25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew”, explaining that it meant 25 people altogether, rather than 25 passengers and seven additional crew members.

The seven crew members referred to in that expression comprised five active crew members and two non-active crew members travelling as passengers.

The official breakdown is as follows:

The distinction is important because inaccurate passenger figures can create confusion about the scale of an aviation tragedy and cause additional distress to families awaiting reliable information.

Ejodame maintained that the Air Force's figures were based on verified official records.

Civilians Were Relatives of Military Officers

The NAF spokesperson also addressed questions concerning the presence of civilians aboard the military aircraft.

He explained that the civilians were family members of military officers travelling to the same destination.

However, the service did not disclose the number of civilians involved or provide further details about the purpose of the journey.

Ejodame said the Air Force had released verified information about those aboard the aircraft after search and recovery efforts and consultations with their families.

The clarification comes as the service continues to engage with relatives affected by the crash.

Air Force Mourns Victims, Promises Family Support

Ejodame expressed appreciation for the sympathy and solidarity extended to the Nigerian Air Force following the tragedy.

He said messages of condolence from Nigerians and other well-wishers had provided comfort during a difficult period for the service and affected families.

“These expressions of concern have been a source of comfort during this difficult period,” he said.

“Those lost were not merely casualty figures, but valued lives, cherished loved ones and individuals whose loss is deeply felt across the service and the nation.”

The spokesperson said the Air Force remained in contact with bereaved families and was providing appropriate assistance.

He did not specify the nature or duration of the support arrangements.

For the affected families, continued access to reliable information, welfare assistance and clear communication about the investigation will be particularly important.

The service also appealed for sensitivity in public discussions of the crash, urging respect for the privacy and grief of those who lost loved ones.

Investigation Into Crash Continues

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash was ongoing.

Ejodame said further information would be released when appropriate, stressing that conclusions about the cause of the accident would be guided by the investigation's findings.

The Air Force has not announced a definitive cause of the crash.

The statement also did not provide details about the aircraft's final flight sequence, prevailing weather conditions, technical condition or possible operational factors.

These matters remain subject to investigation, and any explanation of what caused the aircraft to crash would be premature without supporting evidence.

A thorough inquiry will be essential to establishing what happened and identifying any safety lessons relevant to future military aviation operations.

Transparency and Aviation Safety

The discrepancy in the initially reported number of people aboard NAF 931 illustrates the importance of precise communication following aviation accidents.

Passenger manifests, crew classifications and casualty information must be communicated carefully to avoid confusion, particularly when families are seeking confirmation about loved ones.

Beyond clarifying the numbers, the investigation will need to establish the circumstances of the flight and determine whether any technical, operational or other factors contributed to the tragedy.

Where safety deficiencies are identified, appropriate corrective measures will be important in reducing the risk of similar incidents.

Ejodame reaffirmed the Air Force's commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of personnel and their families.

He also said the service would continue its operations across various theatres of national security engagement despite the loss.

For the families affected by the Igbokoda crash, however, the immediate priorities remain support, reliable information and a credible explanation of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

As the investigation continues, the Air Force's commitment to accountability will be measured by the thoroughness of its findings and the steps taken in response.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.