The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the NAF 931 aircraft accident in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers when it crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors have been found.
The five crew members were 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; 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; 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.
Air Marshal Aneke directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
The Service said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses.
A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, on October 6, 2026.
