All 25 people aboard a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft have been confirmed dead after it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The NAF has ordered a full investigation.
The aircraft, designated NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos with five crew members and 20 passengers.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately, in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
In a statement, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, extended his condolences to the families of those who died. He described the crash as “a dee
ply painful moment” for the Air Force and the nation and assured the families of the Service’s full support.
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash. The NAF has not given a cause or said what may have gone wrong. It promised to provide “timely and verified updates” as the inquiry progresses.
The Air Force also urged the public to avoid speculation and not to circulate unverified information, and asked that the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families be respected.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters.
A condolence register has been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers may sign it and convey messages of sympathy to the families and the Air Force.
The crew members were Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime (Flight Captain), Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer A. Abubakar (Aircraft Technician) and Corporal H.C. Uguru (Aircraft Technician).
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenants T.L. Lazarus and M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officers F. Onwuka and B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeants R.B. James and A.I. Mohammed; Sergeants A.E. Ani, S.I. Izibenikien, C. Alafuka and A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporals F.C. Ugwuba and G.E. Eledan; and civilians Mrs Nneka Ezeh, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
