The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers killed in Monday’s military aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The NAF 931 aircraft plunged into the swamps of Igbokoda while on a routine mission, killing all 25 people on board.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
He said no survivor had been found following the crash.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The five crew members killed in the crash were identified as:
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
The 20 passengers were identified as:
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
The release of the names followed the completion of the initial identification process and the ongoing efforts to account for the victims of the crash.
The tragedy has plunged the Nigerian Air Force into mourning, with the military expected to intensify efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF has also commenced investigations into the incident as recovery and related operations continue at the crash site.
