The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the aircraft when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
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 and Flight Sergeant James RB.
Others were Flight 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 Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts carried out in coordination with relevant authorities.
It said no survivor had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the period of mourning.
He has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.
It said a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters 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.
