NAF Confirms All 25 Passengers Dead in Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that all 25 people aboard an ATR-42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, have died following a crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when the accident occurred.

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 painful moment for both the NAF and the nation. The aircraft's occupants included five crew members and 20 passengers.

The crew consisted of Squadron Leader MI Aburime (flight captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (co-pilots), Warrant Officer Abubakar A, and Corporal Uguru HC (both aircraft technicians). The passengers included various ranks from Flight Lieutenant to Lance Corporal, along with civilians.

Search-and-rescue operations were initiated immediately, but no survivors were found. A comprehensive investigation has been ordered, and the NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation.

A condolence register has been opened at NAF headquarters in Abuja for well-wishers to express their sympathies.