The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially identified the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed on Monday, with search-and-rescue teams subsequently deployed to locate and account for everyone on board.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there were 25 people on board the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Service said no survivors had been found following the search-and-rescue operations conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A., Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru H.C., Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were identified as Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.; Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.; Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.; Flight Sergeant James R.B.; Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.; Sergeant Ani A.E.; Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.; Sergeant Alafuka C.; Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.; Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.; Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, while assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
According to the NAF, the Service will continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
It urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information concerning the incident, while appealing to everyone 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.
The register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
