NAF Confirms 25 Dead in Aircraft Crash in Ondo

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of all 25 people on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.

According to the NAF, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone on board.

However, the Service confirmed that no survivor has been found, bringing the number of confirmed fatalities to 25.

Those who died include five crew members: Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, both co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
The passengers included military personnel and civilians, among them 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 and Sergeant Mbadugha AN.
Others were Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

Air Marshal Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support during the difficult period.
He has also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Service said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has 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 to the deceased and sympathise with their families and the Nigerian Air Force.

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Muftau Adewale

Ganiyu Muftau Adewale is a versatile Nigerian journalist with extensive experience in media, digital communication, and content development.

Passionate about impactful storytelling, he is committed to delivering accurate, engaging, and insightful reports across diverse areas of public interest.

Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for professionalism, creativity, and consistency in journalism. His expertise spans news reporting, media coverage, digital content creation, and strategic public communication, positioning him as a respected and influential voice in the media landscape.

Driven by a dedication to informing, educating, and connecting audiences, Adewale continues to contribute meaningfully to the growth of journalism and digital media in Nigeria.

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