The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers who died in the 931 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said 25 people were on board the aircraft when it crashed.
The Air Force said the aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
It said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately, with response efforts carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, the NAF said no survivors had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who died in the crash.
Aneke described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Ejodame also announced 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 wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Following the crash on Monday, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
He also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased personnel.
Full list of victims
Crew
- 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
Passengers
- 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
