Senate postpones security summit in honour of air crash victims

The Nigerian Senate has indefinitely postponed its two-day National Security Summit, originally scheduled for October 12 and 13, 2026, in remembrance of the victims of a tragic aircraft crash in Ondo State. The decision was made public on Tuesday by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the ad-hoc committee responsible for the summit.

The aircraft, an ATR-42 belonging to the Nigerian Air Force, crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in the loss of 32 lives - 25 officers and seven crew members. In response to this devastating event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a national mourning period of three days and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast throughout the country.

The Senate, determined to honour the fallen personnel, decided to reschedule the summit to coincide with this period of mourning. The ad-hoc committee had been diligently working to finalize plans for the high-level summit following the conclusion of zonal public hearings. The gathering aimed to tackle Nigeria's persistent security issues and devise practical solutions to safeguard lives and property.

The Senate extended its deepest sympathies to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Air Force, and the families of the officers and crew who perished while serving their country. A fresh date for the summit will be announced at a later time, and the Senate urged all stakeholders to stand united with the nation during this period of profound sorrow.