The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has confirmed that all 25 persons on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following an accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
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In a statement, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Air Marshal Aneke expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
He said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated following the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The NAF said no survivors have been found.
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Those who died include five crew members: 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The passengers included 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 and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, 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 and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force says it will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
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It has also urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the 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 bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.