The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the identities of the 25 individuals who lost their lives in the recent plane crash in Ondo State. The incident involved an NAF ATR 42 aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday. According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesperson, the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board at the time of the accident.
The NAF has released the names of the five crew members who died in the crash. They include 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 team operating the ill-fated aircraft.
In addition to the crew members, the NAF has also identified the 20 passengers who were on board the aircraft. The list includes 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; Sergeant Izibenikien SI; 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, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed his deepest 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 country. He assured the bereaved families of the Service's full support during this difficult period.
Air Marshal Aneke has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation aims to establish the cause of the incident and provide recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. The NAF has promised to provide full support to the families of the victims during this challenging time.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers to pay their respects and sympathize with the families of the deceased and the NAF. The register provides an opportunity for people to express their condolences and show solidarity with the affected families.
The NAF has confirmed that search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the crash, in coordination with relevant authorities. The incident has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the country, with many Nigerians mourning the loss of the victims.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of the 25 victims of the ATR 42 aircraft crash in Ondo State.
- The incident has prompted a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for well-wishers to pay their respects to the families of the victims.
