The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The NAF also confirmed that no survivor has been found following the accident, which occurred while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers,” Ejodame said.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 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 and Sergeant Izibenikien SI.
Others were 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.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin 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 support.
Aneke has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers to pay their respects to the victims and their families.
