The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that there was no survivor in the accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
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‎This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
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‎According to the statement, 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, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
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‎The CAS expressed heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.
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‎The statement disclosed that 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.
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‎”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 statement added.
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‎The crew members were listed 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).
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‎Passengers on board were 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.
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‎The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
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‎The Nigerian Air Force said it will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
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‎The statement added that a condolence register has 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.
No Survivor in NAF Plane Crash in Ondo – NAF Confirms
