The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft during a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, had five crew members and 20 passengers on board. The NAF confirmed that there were no survivors.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement, saying search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the crash.
The five crew members were 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 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, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased.
Aneke also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers to pay their respects.
