The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 people killed in Monday’s aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the NAF ATR-42 aircraft when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities in a statement on the crash, confirming that there were no survivors.
According to the statement, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it disappeared from contact and subsequently crashed in the Igbokoda area.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in collaboration with sister services and relevant emergency agencies to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support and ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances and cause of the crash.
The Defence Headquarters also mourned the victims, saying the aircraft was carrying military personnel and some family members on the routine flight.
The Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the investigation was being conducted in compliance with a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the crash as a profound loss to the Armed Forces and the nation, adding that the sacrifices of the deceased personnel would not be forgotten.
Both the NAF and DHQ appealed to the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while urging respect for the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
Ejodame also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers.
Full list of victims
Crew members
- 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
Passengers
- 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 Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
The NAF said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses.
