TD The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of 25 people who died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area, while undertaking a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos.
The NAF subsequently confirmed that the aircraft was involved in the accident, while authorities reported that no survivor had been found.
The official list released by the Air Force comprises five crew members and 20 passengers, bringing the confirmed number on the released memorial list to 25.
Full list of victims
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
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 Nigerian Air Force said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
The service also directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
It urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.
Aircraft disappeared from radar
The tragedy was first reported after air traffic controllers lost contact with the military aircraft at about 9:13 a.m. on October 5 while it was travelling from Benin towards Lagos.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said efforts to establish radio contact with the aircraft were unsuccessful before information emerged that it had crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda.
The wreckage was subsequently located in the difficult swampy terrain.
Initial government information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members — 32 people in total — were aboard the aircraft.
However, the NAF’s subsequently released list contains 25 names: five crew members and 20 passengers.
The discrepancy between the initial figure of 32 and the 25 names released should therefore be treated cautiously pending further clarification from the authorities.
Tinubu declares three days of national mourning
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared three days of national mourning over the deaths and ordered that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased.
The President also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, saying the probe should help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the nation, adding that the sacrifices of Air Force personnel who serve to protect Nigeria would not be forgotten.
The NAF has also opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, security chiefs and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
Investigation underway
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. Authorities have urged members of the public to rely on verified information as the Nigerian Air Force works to establish what caused the ATR-42 to go down.
The tragedy has plunged the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the deceased into mourning, with the released names providing a formal record of those whose lives were lost in the October 5 crash.
