Aneke also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information regarding the crash.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the crew members and passengers on board the ATR 42 aircraft (NAF 931) that recently crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Their names were confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Several news outlets had earlier reported that the military aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, was carrying 25 people—five crew members and 20 passengers.
In an update on the crash, Ejodame noted that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed his profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident.
The statement added that the CAS described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, offering heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the deceased.
He further assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
“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,” Ejodame added.
The statement listed the five crew members as: 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) and Corporal Uguru H.C. (Aircraft Technician).
It also named the passengers as: 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, Godstime Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.
Ejodame added that the Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The statement concluded that the NAF will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to refrain from speculation and the dissemination of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
