The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, died in the crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, assuring them of the service’s full support.

The aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.

The five crew members were 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.

The 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, 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 and Gideon Omotola.

Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information as the investigation continues, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.

It also announced that a condolence register had been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.