Air Force Releases Names of 25 Victims of Ondo Air Crash

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 persons on board the ill-fated ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday, October 5, 2026.

In a statement on Tuesday, the air force disclosed that contrary to earlier reports quoting 32 victims, the actual number of persons who died in the air crash was 25, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.

In the statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives in the accident, which he described as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.”

He assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support during this difficult period.

The crew members were:

CREW

1.Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)

2.Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)

3.Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)

4.Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)

5.Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)

PASSENGERS

6.Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus

7.Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye

8.Flying Officer IM Adeshina

9.Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F

10.Master Warrant Officer Matini BA

11.Warrant Officer Nuhu FS

12.Flight Sergeant James RB

13.Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI

14.Sergeant Ani AE

15.Sergeant Izibenikien SI

16.Sergeant Alafuka C

17.Sergeant Mbadugha AN

18.Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC

19.Lance Corporal Eledan GE

20.Mrs Ezeh Nneka

21.Godstmine Tarabina

22.Joy Micheal

23.Sunday Micheal

24.Ukeme David

25.Gideon Omotola

The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.

The Nigerian Air Force promised to continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.