By Miriam Humbe
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers on board the ill-fated NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.
He said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives and confirmed that no survivors have been found following the accident.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
However, no survivor has been found.
The five crew members were identified as:
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
The 20 passengers were:
1. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances and cause of the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging 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.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters 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 families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
