NAF releases names of 25 victims of military air crash in Ondo

By Johnson Arua

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The NAF also confirmed that no survivor has been found following the crash, which occurred while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

He said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities following the accident.

According to him, “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 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

• 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

• Gideon Omotola

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.

Aneke described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the Service.

He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF said it would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in 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.