The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.
Aneke described the crash as a profoundly painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, extending his heartfelt sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families that the Nigerian Air Force would provide its full support during the difficult period.
The Aircraft and Mission
The aircraft, an ATR 42 with registration number NAF 931, was carrying 25 people — five crew members and 20 passengers — when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
Following the incident, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. No survivors have been found.
The Crew Members
The five crew members 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
The Passengers
The 20 passengers were:
- 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
The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
It also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers may use the register to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
