The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of five crew members and 20 passengers who lost their lives in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft had 25 people on board and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Air Force also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared three days of national mourning and directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country.
The Nigerian Air Force released the full list of those on board as follows:
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







