The Nigeria Airforce has released the names of 25 victims of the ill fated jhelicopter that crashed in Ondo state.
This is on the heels of the expression of sadness by the president of the senate, Godswill Akpabio over the the crash of the Military Aircraft near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo state, leading to the death of all passengers and crew members.
In a statement, the Nigerian Airforce said 25 personnel and passengers died in the crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, with no survivor.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Tuesday said the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims.
He said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
“NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
“Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found”, he said.
The five crew members 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 passengers were 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 and Sergeant Izibenikien SI.
Others were 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.
Aneke described the accident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.
The NAF said it would provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
It also appealed to members of the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force 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 convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
Similarly, in a in a condolence message released through his Special Adviser, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Senator Akpabio commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs as well as families of the victims over the unfortunate development.
“I received with grief the tragic incident of the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR 42 aircraft near Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, resulting in the loss of 32 lives — 25 passengers and 7 crew members.
“On behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff, the Service Chiefs, officers and men of our Armed Forces, and, most importantly, the families and loved ones of all those who perished in this tragic incident.
“A nation may mourn its fallen heroes, but it must never forget the courage with which they gave their lives in service to the Republic. This is a profoundly painful moment for our nation and, particularly, for the Nigerian Air Force. May their souls rest in peace and may Almighty God comfort the bereaved families and our Nation, Amen” he prayed.