No Survivor As NAF Releases Names Of 25 Officers, Civilians Killed In Ondo Plane Crash

There was no survivor in the Ondo military aircraft crash that killed 25 people on board.

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed the tragic incident on Tuesday, saying all 25 persons on board its ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931 died when it crashed in Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft was flying on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos before it went down.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers.

According to the statement, search and rescue teams were immediately deployed in coordination with relevant authorities to locate the aircraft and account for all persons on board, but no survivor was found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.

Aneke sent condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims and assured them of the Service full support during this difficult time.

The Air Force has now released the full list of the victims.

The five crew members who died are Squadron Leader MI Aburime who was the Flight Captain, Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje Co-pilot, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako Co-pilot, Warrant Officer Abubakar A who was Aircraft Technician and Corporal Uguru HC also an Aircraft Technician.

The 20 passengers are 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 NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine what led to the crash.

The Service also said it will provide verified updates as investigation progresses and appealed to the public to avoid speculation and spreading unverified information, and to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has been opened at the NAF headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers to pay their respects.