A comprehensive investigation has been ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, killing all 25 people on board.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, including Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Co-pilots Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, and Aircraft Technicians Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.
Among the passengers who lost their lives were military personnel Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officers Onwuka F and Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeants James RB and Mohammed AI, Sergeants Ani AE, Izibenikien SI, Alafuka C, and Mbadugha AN, and Lance Corporals Ugwuba FC and Eledan GE, alongside civilian passengers Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.
The aircraft, bearing registration number NAF 931, was undertaking a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the tragedy occurred. In an official statement released on Tuesday, Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame confirmed that search-and-rescue teams collaborated with local emergency authorities to search the crash site.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found,” the statement read.
Air Marshal Aneke extended his sympathy to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the victims, promising them the full backing of the air force. To honour the fallen, a condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government representatives, diplomats, security agency chiefs, and members of the public.