Widow of NAF Crash Victim Fears Eviction From Air Force Home

The family of Sergeant Nwachi Mbadugha Afam, one of the 25 people killed when a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, is grappling with grief and uncertainty over housing and support.

Roseline Iloka, sister-in-law to the late sergeant, described how the family clung to hope that he would return before the official confirmation shattered that belief. Mbadugha, from Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, enlisted in the Nigerian Air Force in 2006 and had served for about 20 years. He married Blessing, Iloka’s immediate younger sister, in 2015. The couple have three children.

The aircraft, registered NAF 931, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed near the naval base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area. All five crew members and 20 passengers died. The Nigerian Air Force later released the full list of victims, which included Sergeant Mbadugha AN among the passengers. President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning. A comprehensive investigation is ongoing, with a 12-member Aircraft Accident Investigation Board constituted. Recovery efforts in the difficult swampy terrain have continued with support from multiple agencies.

Iloka said her sister last communicated with her husband shortly before he boarded. Blessing waited for him in Lagos and initially remained calm when his phone would not connect, attributing it to network problems. News of the crash first reached her through social media on the Monday of the incident. Early incomplete passenger lists that omitted Mbadugha’s name briefly sustained hope. That hope ended when Air Force officials formally informed the family at her Lagos apartment.

“It was heartbreaking and devastating,” Iloka said. She stayed with her sister for two weeks. “We cried every day. Whenever she started crying, I would join her.” The widow remains deeply affected. Mbadugha’s elderly mother in the village and his siblings are also mourning.

Iloka described her brother-in-law as intelligent, hardworking, committed and a family man who treated relatives like siblings. She fondly called him “ogo soldier.” He had recently returned from government-sponsored training in France, landed in Abuja, travelled to Benin and was heading back to Lagos when the plane went down. The family had hoped the training might lead to promotion and improved circumstances.

The most pressing worry now is accommodation. Blessing and the children live at the Air Force base in Lagos. She has completed a first degree and is enrolled in further studies but is not working. “My younger sister is now left with no husband, no assurance of accommodation and three children to care for,” Iloka said. “I hope they will not be evicted. What she needs is secure accommodation and a good federal government job that will enable her to provide for her children.”

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The Nigerian Air Force has assured families of the deceased that salaries will continue until death benefits are fully paid to next of kin.

Officials have engaged bereaved families on welfare support while recovery and investigation proceed. Reports have also emerged alleging the aircraft developed an engine fault in Benin the day before the fatal flight and underwent overnight repairs before departing. The Air Force has directed stricter flight safety oversight.

Iloka said the family is following public updates while awaiting official communication on the recovery of her brother-in-law’s body and further support. She described the loss as a heavy blow to the family and the country, noting that Mbadugha “always showed up” and never gave up.