Ondo Air Crash: NAF Confirms Death Of 25, Releases Victims’ Names

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 personnel and passengers aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The NAF said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board when it crashed while undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the incident.

According to him, the rescue efforts were conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board, but no survivor was found.

He said, “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 identified as 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, aircraft technician.

The 20 passengers were listed 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.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

Aneke assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.

The Service urged the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families while promising to provide timely and verified updates on the incident.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and sympathise with their families.