NAF releases names of 25 killed in Ondo aircraft crash
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian Air Force has released the full list of the 25 people who died when its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, confirming there were no survivours.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, the Service said the aircraft was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives,” the statement read.
Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation” and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The five crew members were named as 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 included several serving personnel as well as civilians: 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, Lance Corporals Ugwuba FC and Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash, conducted in coordination with relevant authorities. No survivours were found.
The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident and urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The aircraft lost contact with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday, 5 October 2026, shortly after departing Benin.
Wreckage was later located in a swampy coastal area near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Early reports had varied on the exact number of people on board, but the Nigerian Air Force has now officially confirmed a total of 25.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning, with flags to be flown at half-staff, Dailyeconomy reports.
