The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The crew members were identified as Sqn. Ldr. MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Sqn. Ldr. AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flt.-Lt. IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Cpl. Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The passengers were Flt.-Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt.-Lt. M. Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident and assured that the NAF would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
He urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Ejodame said a condolence register had been opened at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers to pay their respects.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.
Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
