By: Ibrahim Danfulani, Kaduna
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has received with deep shock and profound grief the tragic news of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, reported as NGR 931, near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, 5 October 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Reports indicate that 32 lives were lost — 25 passengers and 7 crew members.
This was contained in a Statement Signed the foundation Chairman Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani and made available to the press.
Our hearts are heavy. We mourn with the President and Commander-in-Chief, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, and every family touched by this painful loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the servicemen and women and the civilians who lost their lives. No words can fully measure such grief, but we want every bereaved family to know: you are not alone. A grateful nation grieves with you, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants you strength, comfort, and peace.
To the men and women in uniform — especially the officers, airmen, and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force — we say: take heart. Your service is noble. Your sacrifice is seen. The risks you carry for Nigeria are not forgotten. Even in this dark hour, do not let sorrow weaken your resolve. You are the shield of our nation, and we honour you. May God renew your courage and keep you safe.
We commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his compassionate and decisive actions: declaring a three-day national mourning, directing that national flags fly at half-mast, ordering a thorough investigation, and standing with the Armed Forces in this moment of grief. These are the actions of a leader who feels the pain of his people and respects the sacrifice of those who serve.
We also commend the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, for his professional and dignified handling of this grim situation. His prompt briefing of the President, activation of search and rescue operations, coordination with relevant agencies, and calm leadership have brought a measure of order to a painful moment. The Nigerian Air Force has shown professionalism under grief, and we urge that the investigation be thorough, transparent, and focused on preventing future tragedy.
A WORD OF ASSURANCE FROM THE GRAND PATRON
The Grand Patron of the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, Ambassador Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, has asked us to convey his heartfelt condolences and a strong word of assurance to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force, and all men and women in uniform.
He assures the families of the fallen — both service personnel and civilians — that their loved ones died in the service of Nigeria, and that their sacrifice will remain honoured. He assures the Nigerian Air Force and the entire Armed Forces that the Foundation, and all people of goodwill, stand with them in this hour of pain. Their grief is shared; their courage is recognised; their professionalism is respected.
He further assures every serving officer, airman, airwoman, and soldier that Nigeria values them and will not abandon them. They should remain steadfast, undeterred, and proud of their calling. To the President and the Chief of Air Staff, he assures the Foundation’s continued support for efforts to care for the bereaved families and to ensure a thorough, credible investigation.
In his words: “We cannot bring back our fallen heroes, but we can honour them by standing with their families, by caring for the living, and by never forgetting their sacrifice. The Nigerian Air Force and our Armed Forces should be assured that the nation is with them.”
As a foundation committed to humanity and care, we will continue to stand with the families of the fallen and with our uniformed personnel. We call on Nigerians to surround the bereaved with love, to avoid unverified information, and to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed.
May Almighty Allah grant eternal rest to all the departed, forgive their shortcomings, comfort their families, and protect the President, our Armed Forces, and all who serve Nigeria. Ameen.(Al-amanah Daily)
