The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has mourned the 25 personnel and passengers who lost their lives in an accident involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The CAS assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
NAF 931 had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.
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 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 CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the 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 families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
