A tragic incident occurred on Tuesday when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crashed in the swamps of Igbokoda, Ondo State, resulting in the death of all 25 personnel on board. Among the deceased was Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, whose partner, Joanna Yakubu, shared her sorrow in an emotional social media post.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it met with disaster. In her heartfelt tribute, Yakubu recalled her last conversation with Bako, where he had mentioned he was traveling to Abuja without any indication that he would not return. "It actually Abuja you told me you are going to and you didn’t mention you will not come back. You left me," she lamented in a TikTok post.

The NAF confirmed that the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, and unfortunately, no survivors were found following the crash. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, stated that search-and-rescue operations were promptly initiated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all personnel involved.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims, describing the crash as a "deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation." He assured the bereaved families of the NAF's full support during this difficult time.

The identities of the deceased crew members have been released, including Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; and Warrant Officer Abubakar A, among others. The passenger list also included several officers and civilians, all of whom tragically lost their lives in the incident.

In light of the accident, Air Marshal Aneke has ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash, with hopes of preventing such tragedies in the future. As the nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals, the NAF stands committed to supporting the families affected by this devastating event.