The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
The aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, killing all the crew members and passengers on board.
According to Ejodame, the crew members were Sqn. Ldr. MI Aburime, Flight Captain; Sqn. Ldr. AP Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flt. Lt. IS Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, Aircraft Technician; and Cpl. Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The passengers were listed as Flt. Lt. TL Lazarus, Flt. Lt. 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 Sgt. Ani AE, Sgt. Izibenikien SI, Sgt. Alafuka C, Sgt. Mbadugha AN, Lance Cpl. Ugwuba FC, Lance Cpl. Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF spokesperson said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, had expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives in the accident.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the service during the difficult period.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The CAS assured the public that the NAF would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
He urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The NAF also announced that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters 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 service.
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