The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of victims of the military aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State. The ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos State with 25 people on board when the accident occurred. According to the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, no survivor has been found. The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the victims. He assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period. The names of the victims have been released to the public, and the Nigerian Air Force is providing support to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash.
The five crew members identified as victims of the crash are 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 crew members were part of the 25 people on board the ill-fated aircraft.
The 20 passengers identified as victims of the crash include 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; and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI. The Nigerian Air Force has not provided further details about the passengers.
The aircraft crash occurred on October 5, 2026, and an investigation into the incident is expected to be conducted. The Nigerian Air Force has promised to provide support to the families of the victims during this difficult period. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft in Nigeria.
The release of the names of the victims is part of the Nigerian Air Force's efforts to provide information to the public and to support the families of those who lost their lives. The incident has been met with condolences from various quarters, with many expressing sympathy to the families of the victims.
The Nigerian Air Force has a total of 25 aircraft losses since 1991. The last major crash was in 2019 when a King Air 350 aircraft crashed in Abuja, killing all seven people on board. The cause of the crash was attributed to a technical fault.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of 25 victims of the military aircraft crash in Ondo State.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft in Nigeria.
- The Nigerian Air Force has promised to provide support to the families of the victims during this difficult period.
