NAF Names 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 people aboard an NAF ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, naming the five crew members and 20 passengers killed in the accident.

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred, the NAF said in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

The service said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board and that search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone aboard.

“No survivors have been found,” the NAF said.

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 incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.”

Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support.

Crew Members

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

1. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola

The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement said.

The service also announced that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

Punch