From Bola Ojuola, Akure.
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 victims of the
(NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931,which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
According to him, NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found. The crew members were:
CREW
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
5. Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)
PASSENGERS
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, the CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families
“A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Meanwhile,the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has said that the command is awaiting heavy equipment from relevant agencies to facilitate the recovery of the wreckage of the aircraft.
Ohagwu, disclosed this after assessing the crash site on Tuesday. According to him the difficult terrain had made the recovery operation challenging.
According to him, the crash site is surrounded by creeks and mangroves, forcing him to use a canoe to access the area.
Ohagwu said both human remains and parts of the aircraft had been recovered, while personnel were still working at the scene.
He said, “For now, the recovery of the wreckage is still in progress. I will not say much until after the conclusion of the investigation by the relevant agencies.”
Ohagwu, had yesterday,, 6th October 2026, paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene of the tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The visit, the command said was aimed at assessing the situation firsthand and reviewing the ongoing recovery and security operations at the crash site.
During the visit, the Commissioner of Police expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force over the tragic loss of lives. He acknowledged the gravity of the incident and assured the affected families and members of the public of the Command’s support throughout the ongoing response.
The CP, According to Abayomi Jimoh, Spokesman for the Command, stated that the Ondo State Police Command is working in close collaboration with other relevant agencies to support the recovery operation and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
He appealed to residents of Igbokoda and the people of Ondo State to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities. He also urged members of the public to refrain from circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic or confusion.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed that personnel of the Command and the Marine Police have been deployed to the scene to provide security and support the ongoing operations. He further stated that the recovery of the victims and aircraft debris is still in progress.
