The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the NAF 931 aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, confirming that the ill-fated aircraft had 25 people on board comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
According to the statement, the NAF ATR 42 aircraft, operating as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Ejodame said search-and-rescue efforts were immediately activated following the crash, but no survivor was found.
The five crew members identified as having died in the crash are 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 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 Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to establish what led to the tragic incident.
The Air Force also urged members of the public to rely only on verified information concerning the accident and refrain from speculation or sharing unconfirmed reports.
It further appealed to the public and the media to respect the privacy and dignity of the deceased and their families as the investigation continues.
The NAF said a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for members of the public who wish to pay their respects to the deceased.
