Breaking: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Personnel, Passengers K!lled In Ondo Aircraft Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving one of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was reportedly carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the fatal accident occurred.

The Nigerian Air Force, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that no survivor had been found following the crash.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep condolences to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the incident.

Aneke described the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families that the Service would provide the necessary support during the difficult period.

The five crew members identified among those who died are Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 20 passengers were identified 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; and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.

Others are 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; and Gideon Omotola.

The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in collaboration with relevant authorities to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board.

Despite the efforts, the Service confirmed that no survivors had been located.

The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The investigation is expected to establish the events leading to the accident and determine the factors that may have contributed to the fatal incident.

The Nigerian Air Force urged members of the public to rely on verified information as the investigation continues, warning against speculation and the circulation of unconfirmed reports.

The Service also appealed to members of the public and the media to respect the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families during their period of mourning.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force announced that a condolence register has been opened at its Headquarters in Abuja.

According to the Service, the register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and express sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.

The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation into the crash progresses.