The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, designated NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said no survivor had been found following the crash, adding that search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The deceased comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
The victims
Crew members
Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
Flight Sergeant James R.B.
Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
Sergeant Ani A.E.
Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
Sergeant Alafuka C.
Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
Mrs Ezeh Nneka
Godstmine Tarabina
Joy Michael
Sunday Micheal
Ukeme David
Gideon Omotol
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families that the Service would provide them with its full support during the difficult period.
Meanwhile, the NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and their families.
