The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who lost their lives in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, 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.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said no survivor had been found following the crash.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound 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 country.
He assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The five crew members who died in the crash 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
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
Gideon Omotola
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with response efforts carried out in collaboration with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Air Force urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
According to the statement, the NAF will continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
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 other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.