The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of five crew members and 20 personnel who died in the aircraft crash that occurred in Ondo state, yesterday.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F and Master Warrant Officer Matini BA were among the 20 passengers killed in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Others who lost their lives in the ill-fated flight were 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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The civilian passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The five crew members who died in the crash 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 25 victims were on board NAF 931, which was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The statement quoted the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to have expressed profound condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The CAS assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
Following the crash, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with the NAF coordinating response efforts with relevant authorities to locate and account for all 25 people on board.
However, the Air Force said no survivors had been found.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families during the period of mourning.
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 and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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