NAF ATR-42 crash: 25 killed in Ondo, five crew among dead

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people aboard an NAF ATR-42 aircraft died when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said no survivor had been found following the accident.

He said the crash prompted the immediate activation of search-and-rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

Read Also:

Nigerian Navy recruitment: See requirements, application deadline

Air Force Recruitment: NAF Opens Portal for 2026 Enlistment

World Teachers’ Day: Kano NUT demands salary parity, GL 16 for senior teachers

The five crew members killed in the crash were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.

Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.

He also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Meanwhile, the NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and sympathise with the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.