The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its NAF 931 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, during a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. According to the latest statement from the Nigerian Air Force, the aircraft had 25 people on board — five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivor has been found.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone aboard.
The five crew members identified by the NAF are Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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.
The passengers were identified as 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 named were Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The remaining passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force has also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as investigations continue. It said further verified updates would be provided as more information becomes available.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of national mourning and directing that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased personnel. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
As families mourn their loved ones, attention now turns to the investigation into what caused NAF 931 to crash during its journey from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other Nigerians wishing to pay their respects.