The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when the plane crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
NAF Releases Names Of Victims
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force released the identities of all 25 people who were on board the aircraft.
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, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The remaining passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Search Operation Ends In Tragedy
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, no survivor was found.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area, with the difficult terrain complicating recovery efforts. Earlier reports said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft shortly after take-off at about 9:13am.
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The aircraft was identified as an ATR-42, one of the Nigerian Air Force’s maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.
CAS Orders Comprehensive Investigation
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said the investigation would determine what led to the accident and provide further information as the process progresses.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the crash, while the Defence Headquarters has also ordered a probe.
Condolence Register Opens In Abuja
The Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its 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 Air Force assured the bereaved families of its full support during the difficult period.
The crash has triggered widespread mourning across the military community, with government officials and organisations expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
