The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR 42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State have died.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the accident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff described the incident as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
He assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
According to the statement, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with relevant authorities working together to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
“No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
Names of the Crew Members
The five crew members identified by the Nigerian Air Force are:
- Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Names of the Passengers
The 20 passengers identified in the statement are:
- Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
- Flying Officer IM Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
- Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
- Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
- Flight Sergeant James RB
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
- Sergeant Ani AE
- Sergeant Izibenikien SI
- Sergeant Alafuka C
- Sergeant Mbadugha AN
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
- Lance Corporal Eledan GE
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
Investigation Ordered
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would provide further verified information as the investigation progresses.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified reports concerning the incident.
NAF urged the public and media organisations to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families as they mourn their loved ones.
The crash has left the Nigerian Air Force and the wider country mourning the loss of the personnel and passengers aboard NAF 931.
