The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people on board its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died in a crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday. The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. The NAF released the identities of all 25 people who were on board the aircraft in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
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 passengers included several senior military personnel and civilians. The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, but no survivor was found.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area, with the difficult terrain complicating recovery efforts. Earlier reports said air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft shortly after take-off at about 9:13am. The aircraft was identified as an ATR-42, one of the Nigerian Air Force’s maritime patrol and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Air Force said the investigation would determine what led to the accident and provide further information as the process progresses. The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation into the crash, while the Defence Headquarters has also ordered a probe. The Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its 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.
The crash has triggered widespread mourning across the military community, with government officials and organisations expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force. The Air Force assured the bereaved families of its full support during the difficult period. Key points include:
Key points
- All 25 people on board the aircraft died in the crash.
- The NAF has released the names of all 25 victims.
- A comprehensive investigation into the crash has been ordered.
