Ondo Plane Crash: Governor Kefas, Kutebs Mourn Flight Lt. Bako

 

Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, and the Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), Abuja Chapter, have mourned the death of Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, a Taraba-born military officer who died in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State.

Flight Lieutenant Bako was reportedly serving as co-pilot aboard the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, identified as NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.

In a condolence message, Governor Kefas described the incident as a national tragedy, saying the country had lost some of its finest military officers in the crash.

The Governor expressed his deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and people of Taraba State over the death of Bako, whom he described as one of the state's gallant sons who served the nation with dedication and patriotism.

Governor Kefas said Bako died in active service and deserved to be honoured as a national hero for his service to the country.

He said the death affected him personally, noting that he and the deceased belonged to the same professional constituency — the military.

Beyond their professional connection, however, Kefas described Bako as a fellow Taraba citizen and a rising star whose life and promising career had been cut short by the tragic incident.

The Governor described the deceased as a professional, disciplined and courageous officer who was never found wanting in the discharge of his duties.

According to him, Bako's professionalism, good character and friendliness had endeared him to his colleagues, friends and family members.

Kefas further described the late officer as a rare gentleman and courageous warrior who did not shy away from difficult assignments.

He said Bako's contributions to national security would not be in vain, adding that his memory and work ethic would remain an enduring reference point for younger officers in the Nigerian military.

The Governor prayed for the repose of the deceased's soul and asked God to grant his immediate family, colleagues and the people of Taraba State the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

The Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Flight Lieutenant Bako, describing him as one of the Kuteb nation's finest and gallant officers.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the KYN Abuja Chapter, Mr Rimamkyaten Dio, and the executive committee, the organisation said Bako's death had left an irreplaceable vacuum in his immediate family, the Kuteb nation and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The group said the deceased met his untimely death alongside his colleagues while serving the country as a co-pilot on what it described as a routine national mission.

According to KYN, Bako represented hope, resilience and the values of the Kuteb people, particularly among young people aspiring to serve the nation.

The organisation described him as an inspiration to youths across the Kuteb nation, saying his career demonstrated what could be achieved through discipline, dedication and commitment to national service.

The KYN Abuja Chapter extended its condolences to Bako's immediate family, the Akenten/Takum traditional leadership and the wider Kuteb community across the world.

The organisation also commiserated with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the colleagues of the deceased officers who lost their lives in the crash.