The Nigerian Air Force has released the full list of 25 people killed in the Ondo air crash, days after its NAF 931 aircraft went down in the Igbokoda area of the state.
The deceased comprise five crew members and 20 passengers. The Air Force confirmed that no survivors were found after search-and-rescue operations at the crash site.
NAF releases names of Ondo air crash victims
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Air Force immediately activated search-and-rescue operations with relevant authorities. However, the operation confirmed that all 25 people on board had died.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, colleagues and loved ones.
He described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Full list of victims killed in Ondo crash
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
The names and roles above match the list released by the Nigerian Air Force and reported by Channels Television.
NAF urges public to avoid speculation
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to release verified information as the investigation progresses.
It also urged the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified reports.
The Service asked Nigerians to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared three days of national mourning following the crash and ordered a thorough investigation into the tragedy. Flags were also directed to fly at half-mast across the country in honour of the deceased.