*Confirms People&Politics Story On Deaths
*Save Nigeria Group USA Mourns
By our reporter
Authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today unveiled the identities of the 25 people who died in yesterday’s crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in swampy Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The roll call of tears contains the names of at least three females and two persons suspected to be husband and wife.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos State when the accident occurred.
The victims are:
Five Crew Members:
*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.
Twenty Passengers:
*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 Michael;
*Sunday Michael;
*Ukeme David;
*Gideon Omotola.
Mrs Ezeh Nneka is among Gideon Omotola and Joy Michael, who are believed to be females, while Joy and Sunday Michael are suspected to be a couple.
In a statement issued by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Service confirmed that no survivor was found.
People&Politics had reported yesterday afternoon that all on board were presumed dead in the crash which occurred in the morning.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has deeply consoled with families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a profoundly painful moment for NAF and Nigeria.
Assuring them that they were not alone, the Air Force chief expressed the full support of the Service to them during this difficult period.
Save Nigeria Group USA In Solidarity With Bereaved, Seeks Profound Aviation Safety Reforms
Meanwhile, touched by the unfortunate accident, Diaspora-based Save Nigeria Group USA (SNG-USA), has expressed condolences to families of the victims and Nigerians.
The body also pressed for transparent investigation and made a case for systemic aviation safety reforms.
In a statement made available to People&Politics today, SNG-USA, which represents Nigerians and friends of Nigeria across the United States (US) and the global diaspora, expressed “profound sorrow” following the crash.
In the statement, signed by its president, Atephen Osemwegie; media director, Victor Onyeka-Ben; and public relations director, Autumn Miller, on behalf of the body’s members, executive committee and Board of Trustees (BoT), had words of consolation for all those affected by the accident.
The statement, in full, read: “SNG-USA extends its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, colleagues, and communities affected by this devastating tragedy.
“Among those lost were Nigerian Air Force personnel and civilians whose lives and service were deeply valued by their families, colleagues, and nation.
“These were not merely numbers. They were sons and daughters, parents and relatives, military personnel, professionals, and fellow Nigerians whose lives mattered profoundly to those who knew and loved them.
“We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families, the Nigerian Air Force, the broader Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the people of Nigeria during this exceptionally painful moment.
“SNG-USA also acknowledges the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared three days of national mourning and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of those who lost their lives. The President further directed the Nigerian Air Force to undertake a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
“While military aviation involves inherent operational risks, every aircraft accident resulting in the loss of life demands a rigorous examination of the technical, operational, maintenance, human, and institutional factors involved. The findings must be transparent, evidence-based, and followed by meaningful corrective action.
“Save Nigeria Group -USA Calls For:
“A Thorough, Independent and Transparent Investigation: SNG-USA supports the comprehensive investigation ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff and calls for the process to be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism, independence, transparency, and accountability. Where appropriate and consistent with Nigeria’s laws and military protocols, relevant national and international aviation-safety expertise should be utilized.
“Comprehensive Safety and Fleet Assessments: The Nigerian Air Force should undertake appropriate technical and operational reviews of its transport, surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistical aviation assets, with particular attention to aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, crew readiness, flight operations, safety management systems, and emergency-response procedures.
“Strengthened Aviation Safety Protocols: Lessons arising from the investigation should be translated into concrete improvements in maintenance procedures, crew training, operational risk management, aircraft monitoring, communications, emergency response, and other relevant safety systems.
“Appropriate National and International Technical Cooperation: Where additional expertise is required, Nigerian authorities should be encouraged to engage qualified national and international aviation-safety institutions and technical experts. Such cooperation should complement, rather than undermine, the authority of Nigeria’s competent institutions and the Nigerian Air Force in investigating this military aviation accident.
“Continued Support for the Bereaved Families: The families of the deceased must receive timely information, appropriate assistance, dignity, and sustained institutional support throughout the investigation and beyond. Their privacy and grief should be respected.
“SNG-USA believes that accountability and compassion must go hand in hand. Honouring the victims requires not only mourning their loss, but also learning from the tragedy and taking every reasonable measure to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
“On behalf of Nigerians in the United States and members of the Nigerian diaspora worldwide, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, the Chief of Air Staff, the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the people of Ondo State and Nigeria.
“May God grant the departed eternal rest and grant their families, colleagues, and loved ones the strength, comfort, and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
“May the memories of those who lost their lives never be forgotten. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Some of the items at the crash site.
