Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Following the accident, the NAF activated search-and-rescue procedures in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons aboard the aircraft. However, the Service said no survivor had been found.
The five crew members identified by the NAF were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
Among 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 and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were 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.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the NAF assuring the public that verified updates would be released as the investigation progresses.
The Air Force also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing to the public to respect 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 for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and commiserate with their families and the Service.