The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of all 25 persons on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed 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.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
The Chief of the Air Staff described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during the difficult period.
According to the NAF, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, the Service confirmed that no survivors have been found.
Five Crew Members Among Those Lost
The five crew members identified by the Nigerian Air Force are:
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
Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
The 20 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
Gideon Omotola
Investigation Ordered
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses.
The Service also appealed to members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, particularly as families of the victims come to terms with the tragedy.
The NAF further urged the public and media to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families during the period of mourning.
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 bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, on October 6, 2026.
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