The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, ATR 42 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
Ribsmedia reports that the NAF 931 aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
Crew Members
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, Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
Passengers
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, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien, – 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 CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force also assured the public that it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
The Service urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
