By Fatima Idera, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SEARCH AND rescue efforts have found no survivors among the 25 people on board the Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
Search and rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
The five crew members on board 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, 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 has also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
NAF further said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
It also urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A statement signed by Ehimen Ejodame, Air Commodore and Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, on 6 October 2026 notes that a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the NAF.
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