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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard the NAF 931 ATR 42 aircraft died after it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
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The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, including serving military personnel and civilians. The NAF has released the full list of those who died in the tragic accident
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Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and establish what led to the fatal accident.
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The Air Force has appealed to the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while assuring the bereaved families of its support and urging respect for their privacy and dignity.
October 6, (THEWILL) – 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, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The NAF, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated following the crash.
The response efforts were conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons aboard the aircraft.
However, the Air Force confirmed that no survivors had been found.
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
Full List Of Victims
The five crew members who lost their lives in the crash are:
- 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
- Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician
The 20 passengers are:
- 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 Michael
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
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Probe Into Crash
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation into the accident.
The probe is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine the factors that may have contributed to the loss of the aircraft and all 25 people on board.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information concerning the crash.
The Service appealed for sensitivity and respect for the privacy and dignity of the families affected by the tragedy.
NAF Opens Condolence Register
As the military community mourns the victims, the Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja.
The register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The crash plunged the Air Force into mourning, with the loss of the five-member crew and 20 passengers representing a significant tragedy for the Service and their respective families.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
