THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of all 25 people killed when an NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was carrying 5 crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that there were no survivors.
According to the statement, the deceased comprised military personnel serving in different capacities as well as 4 civilian passengers.
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Full list of victims
The five crew members killed in the crash 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 20 passengers were identified as:
- 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
Air Force begins crash investigation
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
Aneke described the incident as a painful loss for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while expressing condolences to the victims’ relatives, colleagues and friends.
He also assured the bereaved families of the military’s support. The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board.
The operation ultimately confirmed that none of the 25 occupants survived.
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NAF warns against speculation
The Air Force urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified claims about the circumstances surrounding the accident while the investigation is underway.
It said further information would be released as facts emerge from the investigation. The crash has also prompted renewed attention to military aviation safety, particularly the maintenance, operational history and circumstances surrounding aircraft deployed on routine missions.
Meanwhile, the NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other Nigerians wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and their families.
