The Senate has expressed grief over a reported Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, in which 32 people were feared dead.
The incident was reported to have occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026, involving an ATR 42 aircraft with registration number NGR0931, which was said to have been on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.
The matter was brought before the Senate by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules.
According to the report presented to the chamber, the aircraft was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members when it crashed near Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Ngwu described the reported incident as a national tragedy, highlighting the loss of military personnel serving the country.
Following the presentation, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau sought the chamber’s approval to consider the matter as one of urgent national importance. The request received the support of the lawmakers.
The reported crash has raised concerns about military aviation safety, aircraft maintenance and operational procedures within the Nigerian Air Force.
The Senate’s consideration of the incident is expected to provide an opportunity for lawmakers to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported crash and consider measures to prevent similar incidents.
However, the casualty figure and details of the reported crash require confirmation from the relevant authorities.
