The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of the 25 people who died when an NAF aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The deceased comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931.
The aircraft was conducting a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
Confirming the fatalities in a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search and rescue operations were immediately launched following the crash.
The statement said, “NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.”
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
Full list of victims
Crew members
– 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
Passengers
– 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
The Air Force said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement added.
The Service also disclosed that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja.
It said the register was available to government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wished to pay their respects to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.