…Tinubu declares three days of mourning
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday were killed, bringing a grim end to the search for survivors.
The aircraft, NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it went down in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The confirmation came after search-and-rescue teams were deployed following the crash. The NAF said no survivors had been found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
He also assured the bereaved families of the Service’s “full support during this difficult period.”
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 release of the names followed the NAF’s earlier decision to notify the families of those on board before publicly identifying the victims.
The aircraft disappeared from contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, according to information released by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo. It was subsequently located near a naval base in Igbokoda.
Early official reports put the number of people aboard at 32 — 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The Nigerian Air Force has now confirmed the manifest as 25 people: five crew members and 20 passengers.
The crash site was reportedly in a swampy area near Igbokoda, with parts of the aircraft and debris found around the area. Witness accounts cited in early reports described hearing a loud noise before the aircraft went down, although the cause of the crash remains unknown.
The ATR-42 involved was one of two ATR-42-500MP aircraft acquired by the Nigerian Air Force for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. NAF 931 was delivered to Nigeria in 2010 under a 2007 procurement deal with Italian aerospace company Alenia Aeronautica. It was also sent to Germany for major maintenance in 2022 and returned to Nigeria in late 2024.
The aircraft were operated by the NAF’s 81 Air Maritime Group in Benin City and could also be used for search-and-rescue and limited transport duties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the Air Force personnel killed in the crash and ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
The President also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.
He commended the NAF for activating search-and-rescue operations after the aircraft went down and directed the Service to investigate the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish what caused the accident.
The NAF said it would continue to provide “timely and verified updates” as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to avoid speculation and the spread of unverified information.
It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
A condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
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