On Tuesday, a [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.na.gov.ng) transport plane went down in the swamps of Igbokoda, Ondo State, killing the 25 people on board, among them co‑pilot Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako; his partner Joanna Yakubu later posted an emotional TikTok recalling his last words about a trip to Abuja.
**What did the partner say?**
Yakubu wrote that Bako had told her he was heading to Abuja but never hinted he might 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 posted.
**Who were on the aircraft?**
The aircraft, registration NAF 931, was on a routine Benin‑to‑Lagos mission when it crashed. The NAF confirmed five crew members and twenty passengers were aboard. The crew included Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime (flight captain), Squadron Leader A.P. Man‑Ugwueje (co‑pilot), Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako (co‑pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A (aircraft technician) and Corporal Uguru H.C. (aircraft technician). Passengers comprised a mix of junior officers, warrant officers, sergeants, lance corporals and civilians, all listed by name in the official statement.
**What has the NAF said?**
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the [Nigerian Air Force](https://www.na.gov.ng), said rescue teams were deployed immediately after the crash and that no survivors were found. He reiterated that the operation was coordinated with relevant authorities.
**How has the Air Force leadership responded?**
[Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_Kelvin_Aneke), Chief of the Air Staff, expressed condolences to families, colleagues and loved ones, describing the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.” He pledged full support to the bereaved families and ordered a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
The crash site lies within the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, near the coastal town of Igbokoda, a location that has now become the focus of national mourning and calls for safety reviews.