The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of 25 people in an aircraft accident involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke extended his condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased, assuring the bereaved families of the service’s full support during the difficult period.
The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated following the accident, with response efforts coordinated with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
However, the military disclosed that no survivors had been found as of the time of the statement.
Those on board included five crew members: Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, the co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, both aircraft technicians.
The 20 passengers included 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 and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.
Others were Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.
The remaining passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified reports.
It also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of the affected families as they mourn their loved ones.
As part of arrangements to receive condolences, the Air Force announced that a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja.
The register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, on October 6, 2026.
