The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when the aircraft crashed 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.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
A search-and-rescue operation was immediately activated following the crash, with the NAF coordinating with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. However, no survivor was found.
The five crew members identified by the NAF were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.
The passengers included 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 and Flight Sergeant James RB.
Others were Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The civilian passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash, while the NAF assured the bereaved families of its full support.
The Force urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families as the investigation continues.
A condolence register has also been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, diplomats, security chiefs and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
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