25, not 32, died in Ondo military air crash

• NAF releases names of victims

The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives in the 931 aircraft accident which occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.

In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF disclosed that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

According to the Air Force, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

It added that 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.

There were no survivors.

Air Commodore Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident.

The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.

He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.

He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

The Director of Public Relations also disclosed that a condolence register had been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

Following the incident on Monday, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the crash.

He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

See the full list of crew and passengers below:

CREW

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

1. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola