By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has mourned the death of 25 personnel and passengers who lost their lives in an aircraft crash in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to the statement, the ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities following the crash, but no survivors were found.
The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, 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 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.
Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
The Force also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers to pay their respects.
0 Comments