The Nigerian Air Force has formally released the official manifest containing the names of twenty five military personnel and civilian passengers who tragically lost their lives during an aircraft crash in Ondo State. The catastrophic incident involving NAF ATR 42 aircraft, registered as NAF 931, occurred on Monday in the Igbokoda area, sending shockwaves across the entire defense establishment. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, released a poignant public statement expressing his deepest personal condolences to the grieving families of the fallen officers and passengers. Describing the unexpected air disaster as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the entire country, he prayed for solace for the bereaved loved ones. The Chief of the Air Staff reassured the mourning families that the Nigerian Air Force stands fully prepared to offer comprehensive administrative, welfare, and emotional support during this difficult period of loss. He emphasized that the service remains profoundly grateful for the selfless sacrifices made by the brave personnel while executing their national security duties. According to an official statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehime Ejodame, the aircraft carried five flight crew members and twenty passengers. The flight crew was led by Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime, alongside Co-pilots Squadron Leader AP Man Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, supported by technical crew members. The technical crew onboard included Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, whose specialized technical expertise supported flight operations. Their operational dedication was warmly acknowledged by colleagues as the Air Force community mourns the unexpected demise of these highly trained technical specialists in the line of duty. The passenger manifest listed several senior and junior officers, including Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, and Master Warrant Officer Matini BA. Additional military personnel identified were 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, and Lance Corporal Eledan GE. Civilian passengers onboard the ill fated transport aircraft were also formally identified by the military authority as Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David, and Gideon Omotola. The Air Force leadership extended direct condolences to the families of the civilian victims, promising equal support and attention throughout the upcoming burial proceedings. Following the tragic event, Air Marshal Aneke officially ordered a comprehensive high level investigation to uncover the precise technical and operational factors surrounding the accident. Expert aviation investigators have been deployed to the crash site in Igbokoda to retrieve flight recorders and conduct thorough forensic analyses of the wreckage. The Air Force leadership assured the public that regular, accurate, and verified updates will be communicated as technical findings emerge from the official investigation board. Air Marshal Aneke urged citizens and media organizations to refrain from spreading unverified speculation on social media, emphasizing the importance of respecting the dignity and privacy of the affected families. By: Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
Continue Reading