The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed on Monday, October 5.
The NAF said no survivor had been found following search-and-rescue operations conducted in coordination with relevant authorities.
The five crew members killed in the crash were identified as 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; 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, described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke also assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Chief of Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses and appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
The crash has prompted national mourning, with President Bola Tinubu declaring three days of mourning and ordering that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
