By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed the death of all 25 people on board an ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The confirmation brought an end to earlier uncertainty over the fate of those aboard the aircraft, which crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.
Aneke also assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Service said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the crash, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
“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. No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
The five crew members who died in the crash were identified as 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; and 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; and Gideon Omotola.
The crash has also brought a deeply personal tragedy to the family of Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje, who was identified as the co-pilot of the aircraft.
Man-Ugwueje had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, barely two weeks before the fatal crash.
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Service urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation progresses, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register 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 families of the deceased and the Service.
