Air Mishap: NAF Releases Names, Identities Of Passengers, Crew Members
The Nigerian Air Force has expressed deep sorrow following the loss of 25 persons in an aircraft accident involving NAF 931, an ATR 42 aircraft, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, conveyed the condolences of the Nigerian Air Force to the families, relatives, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, NAF 931 was carrying 25 persons, consisting of five crew members and 20 passengers, when the accident occurred during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos.
Following the incident, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately in collaboration with relevant authorities as efforts were made to locate the aircraft and account for everyone who was on board. The NAF stated that no survivors had been found.
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of all 25 persons on board as follows:
CREW
- 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)
- Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
PASSENGERS
- 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
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
- 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 Michael
- Sunday Michael
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
Air Marshal Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Service and the country, assuring the bereaved families that the Nigerian Air Force would provide its support during the difficult period.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The investigation is expected to establish what led to the crash and provide relevant findings as the process progresses.
The NAF said it would continue to release timely and verified information regarding the incident and appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation or the dissemination of unverified reports.
The Service also urged the public and other stakeholders to respect the privacy and dignity of the families affected by the tragedy as they come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
In addition, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. The register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers who wish to pay their respects and convey condolences to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
