The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released names of crew members and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released names of crew members and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The release comes with the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
According to a release by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame,
Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the crashed NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was 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.
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The crew members were:
CREW
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)
PASSENGERS
6.Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7.Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8.Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9.Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10.Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11.Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12.Flight Sergeant James RB
13.Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14.Sergeant Ani AE
15.Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16.Sergeant Alafuka C
17.Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18.Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19.Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20.Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21.Godstmine Tarabina
http://22.Joy Micheal
23.Sunday Micheal
24.Ukeme David
25.Gideon Omotola
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In line with the mood of the day, President Bola Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash on Monday.
He also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Monday in Abuja.
Tinubu had earlier expressed sadness over the crash involving a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said in a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke.
The President had directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the probe should help prevent future occurrences.
The identities of the deceased personnel will be released by the Air Force after their families have been notified.
