In an agonizing message laden with sorrow, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Yekini Oisayemoje Idaiye, has expressed profound sadness over the death of twenty-five (25) officers and civilians of the Nigerian Air Force, who lost their lives in a plane crash which occurred at Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, 6th October, 2026.
The Speaker noted that the swampy terrain aggravated rescue efforts and called on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly mobilize its personnel to the site with a view to recovering the bodies from the crashed plane and possibly retrieving the black box.
Mr. Speaker further enjoined the Military authorities, particularly the Air Force, and well-meaning Nigerians to rally round the families of the departed during this difficult time. “The best way to go is to support them morally, physically and financially.”
Rt. Hon. Yekini Idaiye acknowledged the immense contributions of these gallant officers to the restoration of peace in troubled areas whenever they were called upon. He noted that the pilots were among the best trained, from information gathered, and their impact will be greatly felt by the Air Force and the nation at large, as they were brave and dedicated in the discharge of their duties.
Men of honour like them will forever be remembered, now and in the future, in the bosom of the Lord.
May the Lord comfort their families in this grieving period and bring succour to their dependents.
The Speaker appealed to the Federal Government and charitable organizations to attend to the needs of the families they left behind, and prayed for eternal rest for the souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, Amen.
