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Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo says the death of Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime, a proud son of Edo State and an officer of the Nigerian Air Force, is a painful loss to his family, Edo State and the country.
Squadron Leader Aburime died in the crash involving Nigerian Air Force aircraft NAF 931 in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026, leaving behind a family, colleagues and friends who will deeply miss him.
“As Governor of Edo State, I mourn the loss of one of our own. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter, parents and everyone affected by this tragedy. While no words can ease the pain of losing a loved one, I want his family to know that Edo State grieves with them.
“Aburime hailed from Uwessan in Esan Central Local Government Area, my home community. His death is, therefore, a painful loss not only to Edo State and Nigeria but also to a community that can no longer celebrate the presence of one of its sons who served his country with dedication. As someone who shares roots with him, I feel this loss deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Uwessan community at this difficult time.
“What also stands out about his life is his humility. While studying Mass Communication at the University of Benin, he did not flaunt his military rank. His classmates remembered him as a quiet, gentle man who often sat at the back of the lecture hall.
“I find this particularly touching. Aburime showed that a person can carry great responsibility without arrogance. Despite his demanding military career, he continued his education and sat a make-up examination at the university just days before the crash. His determination to keep learning speaks volumes about his character.
“Sadly, his future has been cut short,” Okpebholo said.
He stated that the late pilot, beyond the uniform, was a husband and father who loved reading, gospel music, news programmes and documentaries, adding: “His wife and daughter have lost someone whose place in their lives cannot be filled. They deserved more years together, more memories and more opportunities to share in his achievements.
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“I extend my condolences to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Nigerian Air Force, Aburime’s colleagues and course mates, and the families of all those who died in the crash. I pray that God grants them the strength to bear this painful loss.
“To the young people of Edo State, Aburime’s life offers an important lesson. His commitment to service, education, discipline and humility is an example worth following. He served his country while continuing to improve himself and helping others prepare for their own responsibilities.
“Edo State has lost a son, Uwessan has lost one of its own, the Nigerian Air Force】 has lost an experienced officer, and a family has lost a beloved husband and father. His service to Nigeria will remain part of his legacy.
“May God comfort his family, grant eternal rest to the departed and give all those mourning the strength to carry on.
“Rest in peace, Squadron Leader Mahmoud Idanegbe Aburime. You served Nigeria with honour, and we will remember you,” Okpebholo said.
Born on November 12, 1991, Aburime joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 62nd Regular Course and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer on September 12, 2015. Through discipline and dedication, he rose to the rank of Squadron Leader in August 2025.
During his career, he participated in several military operations, including Operations Lafiya Dole, Sharan Daji, Dirin Mikiya, Pulo Shield and Delta Safe. With more than 4,000 flying hours, he contributed to national security through operational missions and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities.
Beyond his operational duties, Aburime also helped train future pilots at the 401 Flying Training School in Kaduna. His contribution to military aviation went beyond the missions he flew to the knowledge and experience he passed on to younger officers.
