The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in Monday’s crash involving an ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft crashed minutes after departing Benin for Lagos on a routine mission.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The crew members were Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A., Aircraft Technician; and Corporal Uguru H.C., Aircraft Technician.
The passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.; Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.; Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.; Flight Sergeant James R.B.; Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.; Sergeant Ani A.E.; and Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
Others were Sergeant Alafuka C.; Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.; Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.; Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
He described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, assuring that timely and verified updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
