The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following an accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
NAF 931, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft, but no survivors were found.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an 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; and Gideon Omotola.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period.
He has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged the public to rely only on official and verified information as the investigation progresses, warning against speculation and the circulation of unverified reports.
The Service also appealed to 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 Service.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates on the incident as the investigation progresses.
