The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died when its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers who were aboard the aircraft during a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed the identities in a statement on Tuesday.
Ejodame said the Air Force immediately launched search and rescue operations in collaboration with relevant authorities after the aircraft went down.
He said the operation accounted for all those aboard the aircraft but confirmed that there were no survivors.
The five crew members were 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 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.
Ejodame said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, commiserated with the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke described the crash as a painful incident for the Air Force and the country and assured the affected families that the service would support them.
The Chief of the Air Staff also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Air Force said it would release further information as the investigation progresses and urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and sharing unverified reports about the incident.
The service also announced the opening of a condolence register at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the military personnel who died in the crash and ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
