The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of 25 people who died in the crash of its NAF 931 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were travelling aboard the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 aircraft when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, confirmed the identities in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash and carried out in coordination with relevant authorities. However, no survivors were found.
Nigerian Air Force Names Crew Members
The five crew members killed in the crash 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
- Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
20 Passengers Killed in Crash
The Nigerian Air Force identified the passengers as:
- 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
Air Force Chief Orders Investigation
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed, describing the crash as a “deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation”.
Aneke assured the bereaved families that they would receive the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period.
He has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash to establish what caused the aircraft to go down.
The Air Force said further verified information would be released as the investigation progresses and urged members of the public to avoid speculation or circulating unconfirmed claims about the accident.
It also appealed for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families to be respected.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja, allowing senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, security chiefs and other well-wishers to pay their respects and send messages of sympathy to the victims’ families.
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