The aircraft, which was carrying 25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and civilians who died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying 25 persons comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities of the deceased, saying no survivor had been found following the crash.
The deceased crew members were 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 and Sergeant Mbadugha AN.
Others were Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Ejodame said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with the NAF coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
“The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives,” Ejodame said.
The Air Chief, according to the statement, also assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
Furthermore, Aneke directed a comprehensive investigation into the accident to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ejodame said the NAF would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
He also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, 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 sympathise with the families of the deceased and the NAF.