NEWS
NAF Releases Names of 25 Victims Killed in Ondo Aircraft Crash
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who lost their lives in a tragic aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, September 5, 2026.
The ill-fated aircraft, identified as 931, was carrying 25 people comprising five crew members and 20 passengers when the accident occurred during a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The NAF, through a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information at Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that there were no survivors.
Following the crash, the Nigerian Air Force immediately activated its search-and-rescue procedures in collaboration with relevant authorities as efforts were launched to locate and account for everyone aboard the aircraft.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound grief over the incident, describing the loss as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke extended his condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the deceased personnel and passengers, while assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
The Chief of the Air Staff has also directed a comprehensive investigation into the accident to determine the circumstances and factors that led to the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. Members of the public were urged to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified reports, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the families affected by the tragedy.
In a further gesture of respect, the NAF disclosed that a condolence register had been opened at its Headquarters in Abuja. Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers are expected to use the register to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.
The names released by the Nigerian Air Force are as follows:
CREW MEMBERS:-
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:-
1. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
2. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
3. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
4. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
5. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
6. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
7. Flight Sergeant James RB
8. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
9. Sergeant Ani AE
10. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
11. Sergeant Alafuka C
12. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
13. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
14. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
15. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
16. Godstmine Tarabina
17. Joy Micheal
18. Sunday Micheal
19. Ukeme David
20. Gideon Omotola
The crash has cast a pall of grief over the Nigerian Air Force community and the families of those who perished, as authorities continue investigations aimed at unraveling what caused the fatal accident.