The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 passengers on board the ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident.
The NAF 931 aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. Unfortunately, no survivors have been found. The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The crew members on board the ill-fated aircraft were 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 NAF has assured the bereaved families of its full support during this difficult period.
The passengers on board the aircraft included senior military personnel, airmen, and civilians. Some of the notable passengers were Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, and Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F. The NAF has released the full list of passengers and crew members.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. The public has been urged to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many paying tribute to the deceased. The Nigerian Air Force has assured the public that it will do everything possible to support the families of the victims and to prevent such incidents in the future. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 passengers on board the crashed ATR 42 aircraft in Ondo State.
- The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
- A comprehensive investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
