The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 people killed in the aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, in a tragedy that has left families, colleagues and loved ones mourning.
The victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers aboard the aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when tragedy struck in Igbokoda. There were no survivors.
According to a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, search-and-rescue teams were immediately deployed in coordination with relevant authorities following the crash.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria, offering condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
Aneke assured the bereaved families that the Service would stand with them during the difficult period and ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged Nigerians to refrain from speculation and the spread of unverified information, while calling for respect for the dignity and privacy of the grieving families.
A condolence register has been opened at NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, diplomats, security chiefs and members of the public to pay their respects.
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning and ordered that flags be flown at half-mast in honour of those who lost their lives.
The Crew
1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime – Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje – Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako – Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A – Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
The Passengers
1. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola
Twenty-five names now stand as a stark reminder of the human cost of the Igbokoda crash, as families and colleagues come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.
