BREAKING: NAF names 25 people killed in ATR 42 crash in Ondo (Full List)

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

According to the NAF, the aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force said no survivor had been found following the crash.

Ejodame said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities after the aircraft went down.

The five crew members killed in the crash were identified as 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 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; and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased.

Aneke described the crash 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.

The Air Chief has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF said the investigation would seek to establish the circumstances and possible causes of the accident.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.

The register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and sympathise with the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

The crash occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, after the aircraft lost contact during its routine flight from Benin to Lagos.

The NAF had earlier confirmed that the aircraft was an ATR 42 and that search-and-rescue efforts had been activated following the incident.

With the confirmation that no survivor has been found and the release of the identities of all 25 people aboard, the incident has become one of the Nigerian Air Force’s major aviation tragedies in recent years.