NAF Releases Names Of Victims Of Military Helicopter Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the 931 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The accident occurred on Monday while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. The Nigerian Air Force said 25 people were on board the aircraft, consisting of five crew members and 20 passengers.

Following the crash, search and rescue operations were launched immediately in collaboration with relevant authorities. The efforts were aimed at locating the aircraft and accounting for everyone on board.

The Air Force later confirmed that there were no survivors from the crash.

The names released by the NAF include five crew members and 20 passengers who were on the aircraft when it went down.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed sympathy to the families, relatives, friends and colleagues of the victims.

Aneke described the crash as a painful incident for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while assuring the affected families that the Service would support them during the difficult period.

He also ordered a full investigation into the accident to determine what led to the crash.

The NAF said it would release verified information as the investigation continues. It also urged members of the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed reports about the incident and to respect the privacy of the victims’ families.

A condolence register has also been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja. Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, security chiefs and other members of the public can use the register to pay their respects.

The five crew members who died in the crash were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, who was 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 passengers were 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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

Other passengers identified by the Air Force were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.