The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has officially published the list of the 25 victims, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, who lost their lives in the crash of aircraft NGR 931 in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the tragic incident occurred.
NAF confirmed that immediately following the accident, search-and-rescue teams were deployed in collaboration with local authorities and emergency responders. However, the operation confirmed there were no survivors among the 25 people on board.
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
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing the crash as a profoundly painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the entire nation. Extending his condolences to the bereaved families, colleagues, and loved ones of the deceased, Air Marshal Aneke pledged the Service’s complete support throughout this difficult period.
The CAS has ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged members of the public to avoid speculation or sharing unverified reports out of respect for the privacy and dignity of the grieving families, promising to issue further verified updates as the investigation unfolds.
A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja to receive senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs, and well-wishers paying their respects.
Following the disaster, President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning in honor of the victims and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast nationwide. President Tinubu also reiterated the call for a thorough investigation to unravel the factors behind the crash.
