The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people killed in the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Service identified five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the aircraft when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The disclosure, contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, also confirmed that no survivor had been found.
The five 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 20 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 and Sergeant Mbadugha AN.
Others were Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said its search-and-rescue operation was activated immediately after the crash and was conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.”
Aneke also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The latest development comes as questions mount over the circumstances of the crash, with the NAF yet to disclose what caused the aircraft to go down during its Benin-Lagos mission.
The Air Force urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
It also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.
The Service said it would continue to release verified information as the investigation progresses.
