The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
According to the statement, the aircraft was carrying 25 people when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The five crew members identified in the statement are 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 20 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 and Sergeant Mbadugha AN.
Others are 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 crash.
According to the statement, the search-and-rescue response was conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
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 during this difficult period.”
Aneke has also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
It said a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
The Service said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
