The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers aboard an ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the incident, but no survivors were 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 identified as 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.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NAF also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.
President Bola Tinubu has meanwhile declared three days of national mourning over the deaths and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the fallen personnel.
