The Nigerian Air Force is mourning the loss of 25 people following the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the aircraft has 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. NAF 931 is conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurs.
Search-and-rescue operations are immediately activated following the incident, with the Nigerian Air Force coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. The NAF later confirms that no survivors are found.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expresses profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the personnel and passengers who lose their lives.
The Chief of the Air Staff describes the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country. He assures the bereaved families that the Service remains committed to supporting them during the difficult period.
The five crew members are identified as 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, also an aircraft technician.
Among the passengers are military personnel, 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 and other members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The passenger list also includes civilians, according to the Nigerian Air Force statement.
The Chief of the Air Staff directs a comprehensive investigation into the accident to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the accident and provide answers to the families of those affected and the wider Nigerian public.
The Nigerian Air Force appeals to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
The Service also urges the public and media organisations to respect the privacy and dignity of the families of the deceased during this difficult period.
A condolence register is 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.
The tragic incident comes as a major loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, with the Service honouring the personnel and passengers who lose their lives in the accident.
The NAF says it will continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
The crew members were:
CREW
1.Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
2.Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3.Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
4.Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
5.Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
PASSENGERS
6.Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7.Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8.Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9.Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10.Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11.Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12.Flight Sergeant James RB
13.Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14.Sergeant Ani AE
15.Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16.Sergeant Alafuka C
17.Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18.Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19.Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20.Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21.Godstmine Tarabina
http://22.Joy Micheal
23.Sunday Micheal
24.Ukeme David
25.Gideon Omotola
