The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died in a crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. The incident has been described as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. The crew members 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 passengers included several senior military personnel and civilians.
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. According to the NAF, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash, with response operations conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
The NAF has identified all 20 passengers, including 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 has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. The Service urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information.
The NAF has appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families. 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 wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy.
The Nigerian Air Force will continue to support the bereaved families during this difficult period. The incident has highlighted the risks faced by military personnel and civilians in the line of duty. The investigation's findings will be made public once the inquiry is complete.
Key points
- All 25 on board the ATR 42 aircraft died in the crash.
- The NAF has launched a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
- A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
