Air Force Crash: PANDEF Mourns 27 Crew, Passengers,
Demands Full Investigation, Better Military Equipment
— Forum Calls for Stronger Military Maintenance Culture
By Uche Benbo
Yenagoa
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The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for a full-scale investigation into the Nigerian Air Force ATR42 aircraft crash near Igbokoda, Ondo State, insisting that every circumstance surrounding the tragedy must be established.
The call came as the forum mourned the reported loss of all 27 crew members and passengers aboard the aircraft following the crash on Monday, October 5, 2026.
PANDEF, through its Board of Trustees and national leadership, said the incident was a painful national tragedy that had affected families across the country, particularly the South-South geopolitical zone.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, the forum said several sons of the South-South were among those listed as victims.
PANDEF said the loss of the young Nigerians serving their country in the military was particularly heartbreaking, noting that they had sacrificed their lives in the course of their national duty.
The forum extended its condolences to the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force, the Federal Government and Nigerians across the country.
It said the tragedy should compel the government to take a fresh and critical look at the operational readiness of the nation’s military aviation assets.
PANDEF stressed the importance of continuous investment in equipment maintenance and combat readiness, particularly at a time when Nigerian military personnel are deployed in various theatres of operation.
According to the forum, soldiers and other security personnel who risk their lives for the country deserve equipment that meets the highest standards of safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
It therefore urged the Federal Government to ensure that the investigation into the crash was thorough, transparent and capable of identifying all available circumstances that may have contributed to the disaster.
PANDEF said the findings should not merely establish what happened but should also provide lessons capable of preventing similar tragedies.
The forum also called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for the affected families and the country’s military personnel.
It urged citizens to remain united and supportive of national efforts to confront the security threats facing the country.
PANDEF said Nigeria could only overcome its current security challenges through collective responsibility, national unity and sustained commitment to peace and security.
The forum described the victims as Nigerians who had paid the ultimate price in the service of their fatherland, saying their sacrifices would remain indelible in the nation’s history.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 8th, 2026
