The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died when its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The names were contained in a statement on Tuesday by the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, offered his deepest condolences to the families of the crew and passengers.
He called the crash a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the country, and extended his sympathies to the relatives, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.
He assured the bereaved families that the Service will give them its full support throughout this difficult period.
According to the NAF, the aircraft carried 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers. It was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident happened.
Search and rescue operations were launched immediately, in coordination with relevant authorities, to locate and account for everyone on board. No survivors have been found.
The crew members were:
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)
The 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
Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the crash. The Air Force said it will provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. It urged the public to avoid speculation and the sharing of unverified information, and to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers can use it to pay their respects and send messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Air Force.
