The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following an accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
He assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The NAF said “search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board, but no survivors have been found”.
The five 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
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.
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said “it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information”.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the families affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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