The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people on board an ATR 42 aircraft were killed when the plane came down in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, registered NAF 931, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Five crew members and 20 passengers were on board. Search and rescue procedures were activated immediately, in coordination with relevant authorities, to locate and account for everyone. No survivors have been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the loss as a deeply painful moment for the Service and the nation. He conveyed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died, and assured the bereaved of the Air Force’s full support.
The crew were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 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.
Air Marshal Aneke has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances of the accident. The Nigerian Air Force said it will issue timely and verified updates as the inquiry proceeds, and asked the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
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 sign the register and convey messages of sympathy to the families and to the Service.
By A.Ikechukwu
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