NAF Releases Names of 25 Victims of Ondo Aircraft Crash
NAF Releases Names of 25 Victims of Military Helicopter Crash in Ondo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who lost their lives in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed on Monday while reportedly undertaking a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to the NAF, all 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the crash.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched in collaboration with relevant authorities following the incident, as efforts were made to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board.
The Air Force subsequently confirmed that there were no survivors.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the deceased.
Aneke described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the affected families of the Service’s support during the difficult period.
He also directed a full investigation into the crash to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged members of the public to rely only on verified information as the investigation continues and cautioned against spreading unconfirmed reports about the incident. It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic community, security chiefs and other members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
The five crew members identified as victims are 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 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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
Other passengers identified by the Air Force were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said further verified information would be made available as the investigation progresses.
