The Nigerian Air Force has released names of victims of the military aircraft which crashed yesterday in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos State with 25 people on board when the accident occurred.
In a statement on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF said no survivor had been found.
In the statement, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
He also assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The five crew members identified as victims of the crash are Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 were identified as 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; and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were; 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.
According to the NAF, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response operations carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board.
However, the Service said no survivors had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the accident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The investigation is expected to establish what happened to the aircraft during the flight and the factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident.
The NAF urged members of the public to rely only on verified information as the investigation continues, warning against speculation and the circulation of unverified reports concerning the incident.
It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the families of the deceased as they mourn their loved ones.
The Air Force further announced that a condolence register had been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.
The register is available for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation into the accident progresses.
