NAF RECOVERS MORE COMPONENTS FROM CRASHED AIRCRAFT AS EDO GOVERNOR MOURNS PILOT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Air Force has recovered additional components from its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, as multi-agency teams continue search and recovery operations at the accident site.

The Air Force disclosed this in a statement published on its official X handle on Wednesday, saying specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau were conducting underwater search and recovery operations alongside its recovery team.

The operation involves hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to gain access to areas of interest.

According to the NAF, the teams are working round the clock to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation.

“Additional aircraft components have been recovered as efforts continue to locate and retrieve relevant materials for documentation and preservation in support of the ongoing investigation,” the statement said.

The recovery operation is part of efforts to secure relevant evidence from the crash site to assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has mourned Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, describing him as a courageous officer whose death was a painful loss to his family, the state and Nigeria.

Aburime, an indigene of Edo State, was the pilot of Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, killing all those on board.

In a statement he signed on Wednesday, Okpebholo expressed condolences to the deceased’s wife, daughter, parents and other family members, as well as the Uwessan community in Esan Central Local Government Area, where the officer hailed from.

“The death of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, a proud son of Edo State and an officer of the Nigerian Air Force, is a painful loss to his family, our state and the country.

“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,” the governor said.

Okpebholo noted that Aburime’s death was particularly painful because of their shared roots in Uwessan, describing the tragedy as a loss to both the state and the community.

He also recalled the officer’s humility while studying Mass Communication at the University of Benin, saying his classmates remembered him as a quiet and gentle person who did not flaunt his military rank.

“What also stands out about his life is his humility. While studying Mass Communication at the University of Benin, he did not flaunt his military rank. His classmates remembered him as a quiet, gentle man who often sat at the back of the lecture hall.

“I find this particularly touching. Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance,” he said.

The governor added that Aburime continued his education despite the demands of his military career and sat a make-up examination at the university just days before the crash.

He described the officer’s determination to continue learning as a reflection of his character, noting that his future had been cut short by the tragedy.

Okpebholo also condoled with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, Aburime’s colleagues and coursemates, and the families of all those who died in the crash.

Addressing young people in Edo State, the governor said Aburime’s commitment to service, education, discipline and humility offered an example worth emulating.

He said the officer had served his country while continuing to improve himself and helping others prepare for their own responsibilities.