The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died in the crash that occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred,” the statement said.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
However, the NAF confirmed that no survivors were found.
The five crew members who died in the crash 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.
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The 20 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, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement added.
The crash occurred on Monday, October 5, near a naval base in Igbokoda, with earlier reports indicating that the aircraft went down in a swampy area.
The incident prompted condolences from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a three-day national mourning for the deceased personnel and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.