By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria.
Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement, saying the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board when the accident occurred during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period,” the NAF scripted.
According to the NAF, the five crew members were 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 passengers were 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 Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated following the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
It said no survivors had been found.
Ejodame said the CAS had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident, while the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
The Air Force urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has also 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 wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
