NAF Confirms Death Of All 25 Aboard Crashed Aircraft, Releases Victims’ Names

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday died in the incident.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was conducting a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.
In a statement on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
He said search-and-rescue operations were immediately launched in collaboration with relevant authorities, but no survivor was found.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
Aneke assured the bereaved families that the Nigerian Air Force would provide the necessary support during the difficult period.
The victims comprised the following:
Crew
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
Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
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
Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information as investigations continue, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
The Air Force also announced the opening of a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja, where government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers can pay their respects to the deceased and their families.