The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has recovered additional components of its ATR 42-500 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
In a statement on its official X handle on Wednesday, the service said a multi-agency team was still carrying out search and recovery operations at the crash site.
According to the NAF, specialist divers from the Nigerian Navy and officials of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau are working with its recovery team to conduct underwater search and retrieval.
The operation also involves hydrographic surveys, satellite-based search-and-rescue imagery, mud excavation and the pumping out of excess water to reach key areas of the site.
The Air Force said teams were working round the clock to locate and retrieve materials that would be documented and preserved for the ongoing investigation.
“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,” the statement read.
Okpebholo Mourns Pilot
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has described Squadron Leader Mahmoud Aburime, the pilot of the aircraft, as a brave officer whose death is a huge loss to the nation.
Aburime, an Edo indigene, was flying the NAF 931 aircraft when it crashed in Igbokoda on October 5, 2026. Everyone on board was killed.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Okpebholo said: “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.
“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.”
The governor said the late pilot hailed from Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area, which is also his own hometown, adding that the community had lost a son who served the nation with commitment.
“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,” he said.
Okpebholo recalled that Aburime studied Mass Communication at the University of Benin, where he never flaunted his military rank. According to him, his classmates remembered him as a quiet and gentle person who usually sat at the back of the lecture hall.
“I find this particularly touching. Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance,” the governor said.
He added that despite the demands of his military career, the late officer kept pursuing his education and wrote a make-up examination at the university only days before the crash.
“His determination to keep learning speaks volumes about his character. Sadly, his future has been cut short,” Okpebholo said.
The governor also extended his condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Kelvin Aneke; NAF officers and personnel; Aburime’s colleagues and coursemates; and the families of other victims of the crash.
He urged young people in the state to learn from the late officer’s life.
“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.
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