The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in a military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were on board the aircraft when it crashed, according to the NAF.
The aircraft was conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in Igbokoda.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident, with relevant authorities and emergency agencies involved in efforts to account for everyone on board.
However, the Air Force later confirmed that none of the 25 people on board survived the crash.
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the incident as deeply painful for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the period of mourning.
He also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would continue to release timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
It also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the spread of unverified reports, while urging people to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF also announced the opening of a condolence register at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.
The register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers to pay their respects.
Full list of victims
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
