The identities of the 25 soldiers and passengers who perished in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda region of Ondo State, have been made public by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The accident happened while the aircraft was on a normal mission from Benin to Lagos, and the NAF also reported that no survivors have been located.
Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), sent condolences to the victims’ families, loved ones, and coworkers, according to a statement released on Tuesday by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
He said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found”, he said.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 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 and Sergeant Izibenikien SI.
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Others were 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 and Gideon Omotola.
Aneke described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
It also appealed to members of the public to respect 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 other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
