The Nigerian Air Force has released the identities of the 25 people who died when an NAF ATR 42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft, marked NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed. It had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said in a statement on Tuesday that there were no survivors, adding that search and rescue operations were immediately activated following the crash.
The five crew members who died were identified as 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.
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 and Sergeant Izibenikien SI.
Others were 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.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke condoled with the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased and assured them of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.
He also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Meanwhile, the NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers to pay their respects to the victims.
The condolence register is also expected to provide an avenue for well-wishers to sympathise with the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
The statement was signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters.