NAF Identifies 25 Personnel, Passengers Killed in Ondo Aircraft Crash
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 persons on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following the crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. The NAF subsequently confirmed that there were no survivors.
The deceased crew members were identified as 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 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 has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine its cause.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
The Service also appealed to the public and stakeholders to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families during the period of mourning.
A condolence register has 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 and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on October 6, 2026.
NAF Identifies 25 Personnel, Passengers Killed in Ondo Aircraft Crash