The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died when the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The 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.
NAF 931, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities.
However, the statement said no survivor had been found.
The five crew members were identified as 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 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 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, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing to the media and the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
It also announced the opening of a condolence register 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.
