The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
NAF also confirmed that there were no survivors after the aircraft crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Tuesday that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
Ejodame said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
He 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 five crew members were identified as 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.
The 20 passengers were 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 and Gideon Omotola.
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 establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
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 who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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