Air Force Releases Names of 25 Killed in Ondo Plane Crash

The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died after an ATR 42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a “deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.”

The deceased consist of five crew members and 20 passengers:

CREW

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

Air Marshal Aneke expressed “profound condolences” to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died in the accident involving NAF 931.

In a statement signed by the Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force chief also assured the bereaved families of the military's “full support during this difficult period.”

The statement said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.

However, “no survivors have been found,” the Air Force said.

The Air Force chief has directed a “comprehensive investigation” to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Air Force urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulating unverified information, while respecting the “privacy and dignity of the affected families.”

A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.