The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 people aboard an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos when the crash occurred.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support as efforts continue to manage the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Nigerian Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, no survivors were found.
Those who lost their lives in the crash are:
Crew members
- Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
- Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
- Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
- Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
- Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
- Flight Sergeant James R.B.
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
- Sergeant Ani A.E.
- Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
- Sergeant Alafuka C.
- Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
- Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine what may have caused the aircraft to go down.
The Nigerian Air Force has also appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
