The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 personnel who died after its 931 aircraft crashed into the swamps of Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ehimen Ejodame, NAF director of public relations and information, said Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff (CAS), described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the air force and the nation.
Ejodame said the aircraft had 25 people on board, consisting of five crew members and 20 passengers, adding that no survivors had been found.
The crew members were:
- 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
Ejodame said the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred.
According to the statement, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately, with response efforts carried out in collaboration with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
He said no survivors had been found, while the CAS had ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” he said.
“A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, 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.”
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to the chief of air staff, and officers, airmen and airwomen of the air force.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”