By Elizabeth Tanko
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the loss of 25 lives following the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, with five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities. No survivors were found.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the nation.
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish circumstances surrounding the accident, while assuring bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Service will continue to provide verified updates as investigation progresses.
“The Chief of the Air Staff has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives. He described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period,” Ejodame said.
He urged public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information, while respecting privacy and dignity of affected families.
According to Ejodame, a condolence register has been opened at Headquarters NAF, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.
List of those on board:
Crew:
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).
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 and Gideon Omotola.
