The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos State when the accident occurred on October 6, 2026. The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
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 Nigerian Air Force has expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the victims. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The 20 passengers identified as victims of the crash include several senior officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force. They are 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. Others were; 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.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response operations carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board. However, the Service said no survivors had been found. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft and the risks faced by personnel on routine missions.
The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation is expected to establish what happened to the aircraft during the flight and the factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident. The Nigerian Air Force has urged members of the public to rely only on verified information as the investigation continues.
The Nigerian Air Force has also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the families of the deceased as they mourn their loved ones. 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 who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation into the accident progresses. The incident has highlighted the risks faced by military personnel and the importance of ensuring the safety of aircraft and crew. The Service has promised to support the families of the victims during this difficult period.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 victims of the ATR 42 aircraft crash in Ondo State.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military aircraft and the risks faced by personnel on routine missions.
- A comprehensive investigation into the accident has been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
