The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following the crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the incident, with the NAF working alongside relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone aboard.
However, the Air Force said no survivors had been found.
Those identified as 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 included 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 were 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.
Reacting to the tragedy, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke conveyed his condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
He has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the NAF pledging to provide timely and verified information as the inquiry progresses.
The Air Force appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified reports, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers wishing to pay their respects.
The latest confirmation brings greater clarity to the scale of the Ondo tragedy, as authorities continue efforts to establish what caused the NAF 931 aircraft to crash while on its Benin-Lagos mission.
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