NAF reveals actual number of people on board ill-fated Ondo military flight
By KEMI KASUMU
The NAF confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, which occurred on Monday October 5, 2026 while the aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of the 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The NAF confirmed that there were no survivors in the crash, which occurred on Monday October 5, 2026 while the aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
According to the NAF, the aircraft had 25 people on board — five crew members and 20 passengers.
The five crew members
- 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
- Corporal Uguru HC – Aircraft Technician
The 20 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 Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
The Chief of the Air Staff, 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 Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF said it would continue to provide verified information as the investigation progresses, while urging members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified reports.
A condolence register has also been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other sympathisers.
The crash has led to a three-day national mourning declared by President Bola Tinubu, with national flags ordered to fly at half-mast across the country.
The President has also directed a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.
