NAF names 25 personnel who died in Ondo crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel who lost their lives when its 931 aircraft plunged into the swamps of Igbokoda in Ondo state on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ehimen Ejodame, director of public relations and information at NAF, said Sunday Aneke, chief of air staff (CAS), described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the air force and the nation.

He said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, adding that no survivors had been found.

The crew members were:

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

22.Joy Micheal

23.Sunday Micheal

24.Ukeme David

25.Gideon Omotola

Ejodame said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

According to the statement, 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.

He noted that while no survivors have been found yet, the CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish 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 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.”