The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to families of the personnel and passengers on Tuesday.
The aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
The 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.
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.
Air Marshal Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation and assured bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
He has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it will provide verified updates as investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation while respecting privacy of affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and well-wishers.
