Ondo Air Crash: ‘25 Dead, Not 32’ — NAF Releases Victims’ Names

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the deaths of 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The NAF also clarified that the aircraft had 20 passengers and 5 crew members on board, contrary to an earlier figure of 25 passengers and 7 crew members provided by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said no survivors had been found following the crash.

He said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred, adding that search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities.

“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 coordinated with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found,” Ejodame said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died in the crash.

Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

The five crew members 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 NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“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,” Ejodame said.

The NAF has also opened a condolence register 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 to the deceased and convey condolences to their families.