NAF personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the NAF 931 aircraft accident in Ondo State.

By Harriet Tornguvan 

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

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

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), 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.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the CAS assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.

The NAF said search and rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board, adding that no survivor was found.

Those on board included 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 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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

Also listed among the passengers were Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

Air Marshal Aneke has 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 as investigations continue.

It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters 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 and sympathise with the affected families and the Nigerian Air Force.