NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 people who died when its ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Air Force later confirmed that five crew members and 20 passengers were on board.

The NAF had earlier launched search-and-rescue operations after losing contact with the aircraft. However, the service confirmed that no survivor was found.

The crash occurred near a naval base in Igbokoda, with the aircraft coming down in the swampy terrain around the coastal community.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the service had accounted 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 Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F and Master Warrant Officer Matini BA.

Others were Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI and Sergeant Alafuka C.

The list also included 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, described the crash as a painful moment for the service and the country.

Aneke expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the victims. He also assured the bereaved families of the NAF’s support.

The Air Force chief has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The directive followed a separate order by President Bola Tinubu for a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident and help prevent a recurrence.

Defence Headquarters has also announced an investigation into the crash. It said the inquiry would establish the cause of the accident, while search-and-rescue efforts continued with other security and emergency agencies.

The latest NAF figure also corrected earlier reports that 32 people were aboard the aircraft. The service’s reviewed manifest puts the total number of occupants at 25.

The NAF urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

It also said it would provide verified updates as investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Meanwhile, the service has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers to pay their respects.

The crash has triggered mourning across the country as families await further information on the recovery and identification of the victims.