NAF mourns 25 killed in NAF 931 aircraft crash
…CAS orders comprehensive probe as Service releases names of victims
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the 25 personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident involving a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, extending heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and assuring them of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
According to him, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
He said 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.
“ No survivors have been found,” the statement said.
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
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
Gideon Omotola
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
