Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, are dead, releasing the identities of the victims.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed. The ill-fated flight had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying search-and-rescue operations had been activated immediately after the accident.
He said no survivor was found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s support.
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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
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; and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF Chief has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Service urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
A condolence register has also been opened at the NAF headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers to pay their respects.
