By Ade Oyeyemi
The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash involving an ATR 42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to the NAF, the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. No survivor was found following the crash, which triggered a search-and-rescue operation involving the Air Force and other relevant authorities.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities of the victims in a statement on Tuesday.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the bereaved families of the service’s support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers to pay tribute to the victims.
The crash has continued to draw attention to the ongoing search, rescue and recovery efforts at the Igbokoda site, where authorities have been working to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
