THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state on Monday, October 5, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 6, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated after the accident.
He said the operations were conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
“No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, an Air Marshal, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died in the accident.
Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
“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,” part of the statement read.
Those on board
The five crew members identified by the NAF were:
- 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
The 20 passengers were identified as:
- 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 NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Service also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Aiyedatiwa earlier said no survivor found
The NAF’s confirmation came after Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said on Monday that no survivor had been found at the crash site.
Aiyedatiwa, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said residents, emergency responders and security personnel searched the site but could not find anyone alive.
He said rescuers found aircraft wreckage, identity cards and military uniforms at the site.
According to the governor, people in the area heard a sound resembling an air tremor before some residents saw the aircraft nose-dive into the swamp.
He said the Nigerian Navy initially stayed back to ensure there was no explosion or fire before moving towards the crash site to search for survivors.
Local emergency officials, residents and Amotekun personnel also joined the search operation.
Tinubu declares mourning
Following the crash, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel who died in the accident.
He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country as a mark of respect for the deceased.
Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
“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,” the President said.
The NAF said a condolence register had also been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and sympathise with their families.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M