By Mary Onyia
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers killed in the crash of its 931 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5. The aircraft, an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos when it crashed. The Air Force confirmed that no one survived the accident.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the bereaved families, describing the crash as a deeply painful loss for the Air Force and the nation.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, both aircraft technicians. The 20 passengers included Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officers Onwuka F and Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeants James RB and Mohammed AI, Sergeants Ani AE, Izibenikien SI, Alafuka C and Mbadugha AN, and Lance Corporals Ugwuba FC and Eledan GE.
The remaining civilian passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola. Aneke assured the victims’ families of the Service’s support and ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the cause of the crash. The Air Force also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered a thorough investigation into the tragedy. He also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the deceased. The NAF said a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers to pay their respects.