The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on Monday, October 5, 2026, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said the aircraft had 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities. However, it confirmed that no survivor had been found.
The five 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 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 and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the NAF differs from the preliminary information given on Monday by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, who had said 25 passengers and seven crew members — 32 people in total — were believed to have been on board. The NAF has now officially placed the number at 25, although no detailed explanation for the discrepancy has been publicly given.
The aircraft was found near a naval base in Igbokoda after it disappeared from radar. Reports from the area said the wreckage was located in a swampy section close to the water, while local residents and responders assisted with efforts around the crash site.
Following the tragedy, Tinubu declared three days of national mourning and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the victims. He also ordered the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
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 country.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support and directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while appealing for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Pilot survives as NAF helicopter crashes in Kaduna
The Service also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF 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.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation into the crash progresses.
