Air Force mourns, releases names of 25 victims in Aircraft accident
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 people who died in the accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Air Force said the victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers aboard the aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It said no survivors had been found following the crash.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful moment for the service and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period.
The deceased crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technicians.
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 and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were 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.
According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with efforts coordinated with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The service said it would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
