By Staff Reporter.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of all 25 persons on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the crash.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
According to the statement, search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the crash, with the NAF coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers,” the statement said.
The five crew members identified were 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 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; and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said no survivor had been found following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.
It urged the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families while assuring that timely and verified updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
According to the NAF, the register is available 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.
