Tragedy In Skies: NAF Releases Names Of Officers Killed In ATR 42 Crash

Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed deep sorrow and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the crash involving the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

Describing the incident as a profoundly painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, the CAS extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, loved ones, colleagues, and all those affected by the tragic loss.

He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.

NAF Director of public relations and information Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who made this known, said the aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

He said the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

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.

Ejodame, in a statement, gave the names of the crew members to include;

FLIGHT CREW

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
Corporal Uguru HC-Aircraft Technician

PASSENGERS

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
Gideon Omotola

Ejodame said CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide “timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has also 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.