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Governor Lawal Visits Zamfara Victims, Vows Stronger Fight Against Banditry
Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal visits Bungudu after a deadly bandit attack, promising stronger security efforts and support for affected families
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has visited Bungudu Local Government Area following a recent bandit attack, offering condolences to affected families and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the state.
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The governor visited the area on Thursday, where he met with traditional leaders, community members and families affected by the attack that left residents mourning.
At the palace of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, Governor Lawal expressed sympathy to the victims and outlined his administration’s ongoing measures to improve security and restore peace in Zamfara.
“I am here to express my sympathy and offer condolences to the families, the Emir, and the people of Bungudu following last week’s bandit attacks,” Lawal said.
The governor described the incident as a difficult moment for the people of the area, while assuring residents that the state government would continue to commit resources towards ending criminal activities.
“This is a test from Almighty Allah, and we will overcome it. The state government is dedicating resources and efforts to end the threat of banditry,” he added.
Lawal encouraged residents to remain patient and united, stressing that addressing insecurity requires sustained efforts, cooperation and continued engagement with security agencies.
He also assured the families of victims that the government would provide necessary support for those affected and continue working towards the safe recovery of kidnapped residents.
The Emir of Bungudu praised the governor’s response, saying the visit demonstrated concern for the people and confidence in the state government’s efforts to address security challenges.
“As a member of the state’s security council, I am aware of the governor’s efforts. I am confident that we will overcome the challenge of banditry,” the monarch said.
During the visit, Governor Lawal also met with the families of late Alhaji Bello Umar Bungudu and other victims, offering personal condolences and expressing solidarity with communities affected by the violence.
The visit comes amid continued security concerns in parts of Zamfara, where authorities have been working with security agencies and local stakeholders to address armed attacks and protect communities.
Also read: Governor Dauda Lawal Holds High-Level Investment Talks With GCL Group on Zamfara Solar Projects
Governor Lawal said his administration would maintain its position against criminal groups while continuing efforts aimed at restoring stability and protecting residents across the state.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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