The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has condoled with the Nigerian Air Force over the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ondo State.
Mrs. Umar, in a statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2026, by the NEMA Press Unit, said she received the news with “deep sadness.”
“On behalf of the Management and staff of NEMA, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the entire Nigerian Air Force family, and the families of those affected by the unfortunate incident,” she said.
She described the crash as deeply painful, noting the invaluable sacrifices of Air Force personnel.
“This incident is deeply painful, considering the invaluable sacrifices of personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in the service and defence of our nation,” Mrs. Umar stated.
In further support of the ongoing operations, the DG disclosed that she has deployed a high-level technical team to the crash site.
“ In further support of the ongoing operations, I have activated the Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Bature Usman, to lead a NEMA technical team to the crash location to reinforce the search and recovery operations,” she announced.
According to her, the deployment is in addition to NEMA personnel who have been at the site working alongside other responders.
Mrs. Umar also commended the swift response by emergency responders:
“ I commend the prompt activation of search and rescue operations following the crash and reaffirm NEMA’s commitment to providing the necessary coordination and operational support.”
She concluded with prayers for the victims:
“ We pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, comfort for their families and speedy recovery for any injured persons.”