The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons aboard an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following an accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed 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 country.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities following the accident.
The statement, however, confirmed that no survivor had been found among the 25 people on board.
The five crew members were identified as 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 passengers included Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F and Master Warrant Officer Matini BA.
Others were Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C and Sergeant Mbadugha AN.
The remaining passengers were Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
Air Marshal Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident to establish what led to the crash.
The Air Force urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
According to the statement, the NAF will continue to provide timely and verified updates on the incident as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the 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 to the deceased and sympathise with their families.