The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in Monday's crash involving an ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Ondo State. The aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of the state, minutes after departing Benin for Lagos on a routine mission. The incident has been confirmed by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the NAF, the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The crew members have been 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 passengers on board the ill-fated aircraft included 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; and Sergeant Izibenikien SI. Others were 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 (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the crash. Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service's full support during the difficult period.
The CAS has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The investigation aims to determine the cause of the crash and provide answers to the families of the victims and the general public.
The Nigerian Air Force has urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families. The Service has promised to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
The incident has elicited reactions from various quarters, with the Ondo State government deploying a medical team and ambulances to the crash site. Governors and other stakeholders have also mourned the victims of the crash, with Vice President Shettima assuring the families of the fallen officers of the government's support beyond the mourning period.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the Ondo aircraft crash.
- The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
- The Service has urged the public to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from speculation.
