By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday died in the accident.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The NAF, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The Service said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the crash, but no survivor was found.
According to the statement, the victims comprised the following:
Crew
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
Aneke described the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The statement added that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, urging them to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, the NAF announced that a condolence register had been opened at its 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 families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.