The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday died in the incident.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers, according to the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
The aircraft was reportedly conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
Following the incident, the NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in collaboration with relevant authorities and emergency agencies. However, the efforts ended with the confirmation that there were no survivors.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke extended his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support during the mourning period.
He has also directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
The NAF appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and the spread of unverified information as the investigation continues. The Service also urged the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
Meanwhile, 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 sympathisers to pay their respects.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.
The 20 passengers were identified as 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 Air Force said it would continue to release verified information as the investigation into the crash progresses.
