The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft carried five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force said it immediately activated search-and-rescue procedures, working with relevant authorities to locate and account for those aboard.
“No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
Air Force chief orders investigation
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, colleagues and loved ones, describing the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation”.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The statement did not identify the cause of the crash.
Names of the five crew members
| Name and rank | Role |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Corporal Uguru HC | Aircraft Technician |
Names of the 20 passengers
- 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
- Gideon Omotola
Condolence register opened in Abuja
The NAF announced that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.
The Service said it would provide verified updates as the investigation progresses and appealed to the public to avoid speculation while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
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