The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos. The NAF said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board and that no survivor was found.
The identities were disclosed on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the Air Force, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
The NAF also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and appealed to the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
Full List of Victims
Crew members
- Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
- Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
- Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
- Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
- Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
- Flight Sergeant James R.B.
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
- Sergeant Ani A.E.
- Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
- Sergeant Alafuka C.
- Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
- Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
The aircraft disappeared from radar at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday before its wreckage was located near the Naval Base in Igbokoda. The Federal Ministry of Aviation initially reported that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard, while subsequent information released by the NAF confirmed 25 people in total.
President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the crash. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.
