NAF Confirms 25 Dead in NAF 931 Aircraft Crash in Ondo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when the aircraft 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.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Air Marshal Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. However, no survivors were found.
The five crew members were identified as 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
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The 20 passengers comprised 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; and Gideon Omotola.
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families as they come to terms with the loss.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has 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 wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The accident has cast a pall over the Nigerian Air Force and the wider national security community, with the Service mourning the loss of personnel who died in the line of duty alongside civilian passengers aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The NAF said further updates would be issued as verified information becomes available.
