BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has mourned the death of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, describing him as a dedicated military officer whose courage, humility and commitment to national service would remain an enduring legacy.
Aburime, an indigene of Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, died in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931 crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
In a condolence message issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Governor Okpebholo described the officer’s death as a painful loss to his family, Edo State and the nation.
“As Governor of Edo State, I mourn the loss of one of our own. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, parents and everyone affected by this tragedy. While no words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, I want his family to know that Edo State grieves with them,” he said.
The governor noted that Aburime hailed from Uwessan, his home community, adding that the tragedy had touched him personally.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the entire Uwessan community, describing the officer’s death as a painful loss to a community that had produced a son who served his country with dedication.
Born on November 12, 1991, Aburime joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 62nd Regular Course and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on September 12, 2015. He rose through the ranks to become a Squadron Leader in August 2025.
During his military career, he participated in several operations, including Operations Lafiya Dole, Sharan Daji, Dirin Mikiya, Pulo Shield and Delta Safe.
With more than 4,000 flying hours, the late officer contributed to national security through operational missions and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
Beyond his operational responsibilities, Aburime served as an instructor at the 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna, where he helped train future pilots, passing on his knowledge and experience to younger officers.
Governor Okpebholo also highlighted the late officer’s humility, recalling that while studying Mass Communication at the University of Benin, Aburime did not flaunt his military rank.
According to the governor, his classmates remembered him as a quiet and gentle individual who often sat at the back of the lecture hall.
The governor said he was particularly touched by Aburime’s determination to pursue further education despite the demands of his military career. The officer reportedly sat a make-up examination at the university just days before the fatal crash.
“Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance. Despite his demanding military career, he continued his education,” Okpebholo said, describing the officer’s commitment to learning as a testament to his character.
The governor lamented that the officer’s promising future had been cut short, leaving behind a wife and daughter who had lost a beloved husband and father.
He noted that beyond the military uniform was a family man whose interests included reading, gospel music, news programmes and documentaries.
Okpebholo also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Nigerian Air Force; Aburime’s colleagues and coursemates; and the families of all those who died in the aircraft crash.
He prayed that God would grant the bereaved families the strength to bear their losses and comfort all those mourning the departed officers.
Addressing young people in Edo State, the governor urged them to draw inspiration from Aburime’s life of service, discipline, education and humility.
He said the officer’s dedication to his profession, commitment to personal development and willingness to mentor younger personnel offered valuable lessons for the next generation.
“Edo State has lost a son, Uwessan has lost one of its own, the Nigerian Air Force has lost an experienced officer, and a family has lost a beloved husband and father. His service to Nigeria will remain part of his legacy,” the governor said.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed officer and divine comfort for his family.
“Rest in peace, Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime. You served Nigeria with honour, and we will remember you.”
The condolence message was signed by Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
