The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a painful loss for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
NAF 931 was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed while undertaking a routine flight from Benin to Lagos. Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the incident, with NAF personnel working alongside relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
The passengers included several NAF personnel as well as civilians. They 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 and Gideon Omotola.
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the crash to determine what led to the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide verified information as the investigation progresses and urged members of the public to avoid speculation or sharing unconfirmed reports.
The service also said it would support the affected families during the difficult period. A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic community, security chiefs and other members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
The accident represents a major loss for the Nigerian Air Force, with the service mourning the 25 personnel and passengers who were on board the aircraft.
