The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people killed in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to a statement by the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, no survivor had been found after the crash, prompting the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities.
The five crew members killed in the crash were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.
The 20 passengers were identified as:
- 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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and sympathise with their families.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
