By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash involving an NAF ATR 42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, crashed on Monday while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
In a statement on Tuesday, NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the aircraft.
He said no survivor had been found following the crash, adding that search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities.
The five crew members who died were 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; 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; and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.
Aneke described the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the bereaved families of the service’s full support.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja.
The register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers wishing to pay their respects to the deceased and their families.
The crash occurred in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, where the wreckage of the aircraft was located after it disappeared from radar during its journey to Lagos.
Leave a Reply