NAF Confirms 25 Dead in ATR 42 Crash in Ondo

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the plane crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine flight from Benin to Lagos when the crash occurred, according to the Nigerian Air Force.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a painful loss for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone aboard. However, the military later confirmed that no survivors had been found.

The five crew members killed in the crash were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, the co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.

Among the 20 passengers were 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, Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

The remaining passengers were identified as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the crash to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. The NAF said it would provide verified updates as the investigation progresses and urged the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unconfirmed information.

The latest NAF figure differs from the preliminary information released by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo shortly after the crash. Keyamo had initially said 25 passengers and seven crew members were believed to have been aboard the aircraft.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the deceased Air Force personnel. The NAF has also opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja and assured the victims’ families of its support while urging the public to respect their privacy and dignity.