Sultan of Sokoto mourns victims of Ondo NAF aircraft crash, calls for thorough investigation
By KEMI KASUMU
The Sultan, a retired Nigerian Army General, said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated to establish its cause and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.
His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has expressed deep sadness over the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crash in Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.
The Sultan described the air mishap, which involved 25 passengers and seven crew members, as a deeply unfortunate national tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of all those affected by the crash.
In a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s Media Team and dated Monday, October 5, 2026, the Sultan Abubakar said the loss of the NAF personnel and civilians was particularly painful at a time when the nation required all its human and military resources to confront the numerous challenges facing the country.
The Sultan, a retired Nigerian Army General, said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated to establish its cause and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent a recurrence.
He said, “Incidents such as this national disaster must be profoundly investigated with a view to knowing the cause so as to avert a repeat of it in the future.”
The Sultan stressed the importance of learning from the tragedy and ensuring that every necessary step is taken to strengthen the safety of personnel and assets deployed in the service of the nation.
He described the incident as a national disaster involving members of the Nigerian Air Force, including officers, airmen and airwomen, as well as civilians, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives.
The Sultan extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying that Almighty Allah grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
He also commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and the entire leadership, officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force over the tragic incident.
The Sultan further prayed for Almighty Allah to grant Nigeria the wisdom and capacity to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to continue to protect all personnel serving the nation.
