The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an aircraft that crashed in Ondo State on Monday died in the accident.
The Air Force, in a statement on Tuesday, said the victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.
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The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone on board.
“No survivors have been found,” the Air Force said.
The Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
NAF Releases Names of 25 Victims
The NAF said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers.
The deceased are:
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
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C.
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday, Michael
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola
The Air Force said a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs, and other Nigerians wishing to pay their respects.
It urged the public to rely on verified information as investigations into the crash continue.
NAF and Aviation Ministry Figures Differ
The latest NAF figure differs from the initial account provided by the Ministry of Aviation after the crash.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had said preliminary information indicated that 32 people were aboard the aircraft: 25 passengers and seven crew members.
The Presidency also referred to the 32-person figure while announcing President Bola Tinubu’s condolence message to the families of the victims.
However, the NAF’s latest statement puts the total number of people aboard NAF 931 at 25, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Air Force has not explained the discrepancy between the figures released by the ministry and its latest account.
How the Crash Happened
The aircraft crashed on Monday after air traffic controllers reportedly lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m., shortly after it departed Benin for Lagos.
The wreckage was later located near the naval base in Igbokoda.
The crash initially generated uncertainty over the aircraft type, the number of people aboard, and the fate of those on the flight.
The NAF subsequently identified the aircraft as an ATR-42 and confirmed that search-and-rescue operations had been launched.
The Air Force has urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
A condolence register has also been opened at NAF headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs, and other sympathisers.
Tinubu Declares Three Days of National Mourning
President Tinubu declared three days of national mourning for the fallen Air Force personnel and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country.
The president described the crash as a painful moment for the armed forces and the nation, noting that military personnel regularly put their lives at risk in the service of Nigeria.
“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 also directed the NAF to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the findings should help prevent a recurrence.
Tinubu commended the Air Force for activating search-and-rescue operations and extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Chief of Air Staff and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
Atiku Mourns Victims, Calls for Stronger Aviation Safety
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar described the crash as a profound national tragedy.
Atiku said the loss was particularly painful because the victims included military personnel and members of their families.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, the Ondo State Government, and Nigerians.
Atiku also expressed hope that the investigation into the crash would establish what caused the accident and lead to stronger aviation safety measures within the Armed Forces to prevent a recurrence.
Shettima: Nigeria Owes Fallen Officers Enduring Debt of Gratitude
Vice President Kashim Shettima also mourned the victims, describing their deaths as a painful loss to the country.
Shettima said the fallen personnel had paid the ultimate price in the service of Nigeria and that the country owed them an enduring debt of gratitude.
He assured the bereaved families of the Federal Government’s support, stressing that their sacrifice would not be forgotten.
Peter Obi Expresses Condolences
Former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi also expressed sadness over the crash.
Obi coordinated with the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the deceased officers and personnel, their colleagues, and other loved ones affected by the tragedy.
He described the loss of the personnel as painful and said their service and sacrifice to the country should not be forgotten.
PDP Demands Thorough, Transparent Investigation
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the victims.
The party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, described the death of the service personnel as deeply painful, noting their sacrifices to Nigeria’s unity and survival.
“Our service personnel have given so much for the unity and survival of this country, and news of their deaths is deeply painful,” Turaki said.
The PDP called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and prayed that such tragedies would not recur.
Sowore Questions Emergency Response
African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore expressed condolences to the families of the victims but also raised concerns about Nigeria’s emergency-response capacity.
Sowore said images and videos from the crash site raised questions about how quickly emergency responders could reach difficult terrain and whether adequate equipment was available for search, rescue, and recovery operations.
He called for a transparent investigation into both the cause of the crash and the emergency response, including the time it took responders to arrive and the challenges they encountered.
According to him, the tragedy should prompt a broader review of Nigeria’s disaster-response preparedness.
Northern Governors Mourn, Commend Tinubu
The Northern Nigeria Governors’ Forum also expressed grief over the crash.
Chairman of the forum and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, sympathised with President Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, and the families of the victims.
Yahaya described the incident as a tragic reminder of the sacrifices routinely made by Nigerian military personnel in the service and defence of the country.
The forum also commended Tinubu’s prompt response to the tragedy.
Aiyedatiwa Mobilises Emergency Agencies
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed sadness over the crash and directed state emergency and health agencies to support the response operation.
Aiyedatiwa also sympathised with the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces, and the families of those who died.
The governor had earlier said residents, security personnel, and emergency responders searched the crash site but found no survivor.
He later suggested that a technical or mechanical problem could have contributed to the crash, although the cause has not been officially established and remains subject to investigation.
Defence Headquarters Mourns Fallen Personnel
The Defence Headquarters described the crash as a painful loss to the Armed Forces and the nation.
The military authorities extended condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of those who died and said the circumstances surrounding the accident would be investigated.
The Nigerian Air Force has urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.