pannigeriannews 
By Isaiah Adewole
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that all 25 people on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died following an accident 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 on October 5, 2026.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
The CAS described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” while extending his “heartfelt sympathies” to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives.
He also assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s “full support during this difficult period.”
According to the NAF, search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, the Service confirmed that “no survivors have been found.”
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the 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 included 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 into the accident to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues.
“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses,” the statement said, while appealing to the public to respect “the privacy and dignity of the affected families.”
A condolence register has also 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 NAF said further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
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