The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday released the names of the 25 persons who lost their lives in the tragic crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed on Monday, killing all five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The Air Force confirmed that no survivor was found following search-and-rescue operations conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period.
The crew members identified by the Air Force were 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 passengers included 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.
The Air Force said the aircraft was carrying 25 persons when the accident occurred and that immediate search-and-rescue procedures were activated after contact was lost with the aircraft during the flight.
The NAF further disclosed that the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The service urged the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the accident, one of the deadliest military air disasters in recent years.
