The Nigerian Air Force has identified the 25 people who lost their lives when its ATR 42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was undertaking a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when it went down. Five crew members and 20 passengers were on board.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities in a statement on Tuesday, adding that search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the incident. He said no survivor had so far been found.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, the co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
The 20 passengers were 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; and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were 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; and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a devastating loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation. He assured the bereaved families that the service would provide necessary support during the difficult period.
Aneke has also directed a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the crash.
Meanwhile, the NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers wishing to honour the deceased and express solidarity with their families.
