Esther Oseyiomon
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, carrying five crew members and 20 passengers, 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 condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Air Force and the nation.
The NAF said it activated search-and-rescue procedures in collaboration with relevant authorities following the crash, but no survivors were found.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; and Warrant Officers Abubakar A and Uguru HC, both aircraft technicians, the latter holding the rank of corporal.
The passengers included 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, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporals Ugwuba FC and Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Aneke has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The NAF said verified updates would be released as the investigation progresses.
The Service urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers to pay their respects and commiserate with the bereaved families and the Service.