NAF releases Names of 25 victims killed in Military Plane Crash
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives in the 931 aircraft accident which occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the NAF disclosed that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
According to the Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It added that search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board.
No survivors have been found, according to the statement.
Air Commodore Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident.
The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Director of Public Relations also disclosed that a condolence register had 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 who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Following the incident on Monday, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the crash.
He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
See the full list of crew and passengers below:
CREW
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
5. Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
PASSENGERS
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
Describing the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country, Tinubu said the sacrifices of Air Force personnel who put their lives on the line to secure Nigeria would not be forgotten.
