The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died when its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos on Monday when the accident occurred. The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, and expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support and directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The five crew members were identified as 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 20 passengers were identified as 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.
