The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard NAF 931 died when the aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on October 5, 2026. The ATR 42 aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it went down. Search-and-rescue teams were deployed immediately alongside relevant authorities to locate all those on board, but no survivors were found.
The NAF has released the full list of victims, including the five crew members and 20 passengers. The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Warrant Officer Abubakar A, and Corporal Uguru HC. The passengers included 14 military personnel and six civilians. The military personnel were identified as Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, and others.
The six civilians who lost their lives in the crash were identified as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola. The NAF described the tragedy as "a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation," and extended sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of everyone who died.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NAF urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information and cautioned against any action that could compromise the dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, where senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers are invited to sign and leave messages of sympathy for the families of the deceased. The register was opened on October 6, 2026, a day after the crash.
The NAF statement was issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, via the official NAF social media account. The statement assured the public that the service would support bereaved families during this period.
The crash occurred on October 5, 2026, and the NAF has since taken steps to support the families of the victims. The incident has been met with an outpouring of sympathy from across the nation, with many paying tribute to the victims and their families.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of all 25 victims of the ATR 42 plane crash in Ondo State on October 5, 2026.
- The crash occurred during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, and all on board died in the accident.
- A comprehensive investigation into the crash has been ordered, and a condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
