The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its 931 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the aircraft when the accident occurred.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the aircraft was carrying out a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in Igbokoda.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the incident, with the Air Force working alongside relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The NAF said no survivor had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, relatives and colleagues of the deceased personnel and passengers.
He described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families that the service would provide full support during the difficult period.
Aneke also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja. The register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and send messages of sympathy to the families and the Nigerian Air Force.
Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased officers.
Full List of Victims
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
- 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 Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
The Nigerian Air Force said the investigation into the crash would determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and urged the public to rely on official updates as the process continues.
Source: Nigerian Air Force.
