The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people on board an NAF ATR-42 aircraft died after it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The service said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash and were carried out in coordination with relevant authorities.
“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. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.”
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke described the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The NAF identified the five crew members as:
- 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
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Service urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
“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 said.
The NAF also announced that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The confirmation brings the number of confirmed fatalities from the Igbokoda aircraft crash to 25, while the investigation into what caused the NAF 931 to crash remains ongoing.
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