The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in a condolence message on Monday, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the entire nation.
Air Marshal Aneke extended heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims and assured them of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
The 25 persons on board comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
*List of deceased:*
*Crew:*
– 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 determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Service said it will provide timely and verified updates as investigation progresses and appealed to the public to avoid speculations and circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and well-wishers to pay their respects.
