The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who lost their lives in the military aircraft crash that occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area on Monday.
According to the Nigerian Air Force, the ill-fated aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. No survivor was found following the crash...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Air Force said search and rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with relevant authorities and emergency agencies involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
He described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s support.
A comprehensive investigation has also been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and establish what led to the tragic incident.
The NAF further 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 victims’ families.
The 25 victims identified by the Nigerian Air Force are:
Crew members
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
The tragedy has triggered mourning across the country, with government officials, military authorities and Nigerians expressing condolences to the families of those who died.
The Federal Government has also ordered investigations into the crash, while the Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide verified updates as investigations progress.
A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers wishing to pay their respects.
The incident comes as the country mourns the loss of military personnel and civilians who were travelling aboard the aircraft.
The identities released by the Air Force are expected to assist families, colleagues and loved ones in formally accounting for those who died in the crash.
May their souls rest in peace.
