The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the recovery of additional parts of its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement published on its official X account on Wednesday, the Air Force said a multi-agency team was continuing search and recovery operations at the crash site.
According to the NAF, specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are working alongside its recovery team to conduct underwater searches and retrieve materials from the scene.
The operation includes hydrographic surveys, the use of satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the removal of excess water to gain access to critical areas.
The Air Force added that personnel were working around the clock to locate and retrieve materials that could be documented and preserved for the ongoing investigation.
The statement read, “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.”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has described Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime, the pilot of the crashed aircraft, as a courageous officer whose death represents a significant loss to the country.
Aburime, an indigene of Edo State, was piloting the NAF 931 aircraft when it crashed in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026, killing everyone on board.
In a statement personally signed on Wednesday, the governor expressed condolences to the late officer’s family, describing his death as a painful loss to his loved ones, Edo State and Nigeria.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
He added that his thoughts and prayers were with the deceased’s wife, daughter, parents and others affected by the tragedy.
“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 stated.
Okpebholo disclosed that Aburime hailed from Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area, the same hometown as the governor. He said the community had lost a son who served the nation with dedication.
“As someone who shares roots with him, I feel this loss deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Uwessan community at this difficult time,” the governor said.
Recalling the late pilot’s time at the University of Benin, where he studied Mass Communication, Okpebholo said Aburime did not flaunt his military rank and was remembered by his classmates as a quiet and humble individual 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 noted.
The governor also revealed that despite the demands of his military duties, Aburime remained committed to his education and sat for a make-up examination at the university just days before the aircraft crash.
“His determination to keep learning speaks volumes about his character. Sadly, his future has been cut short,” Okpebholo said.
He extended his condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke, officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the deceased’s colleagues and coursemates, as well as the families of the other victims.
The governor also urged young people in Edo State to draw inspiration from Aburime’s life, particularly his commitment to service, education, discipline and humility.
“To the young people of Edo State, Aburime’s life offers an important lesson. His commitment to service, education, discipline and humility is an example worth following. He served his country while continuing to improve himself and helping others prepare for their own responsibilities,” he added.