NAF lists 25 Personnel Killed in Igbokoda air crash, says incident deep painful moment

By Ola Taiwo

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of 25 personnel who died in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, with a declaration that the incident was a deep painful moment for the force and the nation 

The crash occured on Monday morning when the aircraft was travelling from Benin city in Edo State to Lagos State.

The NAF said no survivor had been found in the rescue operation that began on Monday shortly after the crash.

The Force in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed that the deceased comprise five crew members and 20 passengers.

It listed the crew members to be 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, according to the statement, 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.

The statement said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Unday Kelvin Aneke, had ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

It said that the Air Force boss described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” 

The statement said Aneke, while extending condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims assured the bereaved families of full support of the Force. 

It disclosed that updates on the investigation of the incident would be provided as verified information becomes available.

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement reads.

The NAF announced the opening of 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.