The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has named 25 people killed when its 931 aircraft crashed into Igbokoda swamps, Ondo State, on Monday.
NAF spokesman Ehimen Ejodame said the aircraft was on a routine Benin-Lagos mission with five crew and 20 passengers. No survivors have been found. Search-and-rescue efforts began immediately with relevant authorities.
Crew:
- Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
- Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
- Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
- Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
Passengers:
- 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
- Gideon Omotola
Chief of Air Staff Sunday Aneke ordered a full investigation and described the crash as deeply painful for the NAF and nation.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” Ejodame said.
A condolence register is open at NAF Headquarters, Abuja. President Bola Tinubu declared three days of national mourning.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation,” Tinubu said.
“Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
