The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that 25 persons, comprising 20 passengers and five active crew members, were on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State on Monday.

The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Saturday.

Ejodame explained that two non-active crew members were included among the 20 passengers, bringing the total number of people on board to 25.

He said reports suggesting that 32 persons were on board might have resulted from a misunderstanding of standard aviation terminology.

According to him, the expression “25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew” means 25 persons in total, including the seven crew members, and not 25 passengers in addition to seven crew members.

The NAF spokesman also disclosed that the civilians on board were family members of officers travelling to the same destination.

He said the Air Force released the verified figures and names of those on board after search and recovery operations and consultations with the affected families.

While expressing condolences over the tragedy, Ejodame appreciated Nigerians and well-wishers for their sympathy, solidarity and support.

He said the expressions of concern had provided comfort to the service during the difficult period, stressing that those who died were valued individuals whose loss was deeply felt by their families, colleagues and the nation.

Ejodame added that the NAF remained in contact with the bereaved families and was providing appropriate support as they cope with the loss.

He further disclosed that a thorough investigation into the crash was ongoing, assuring that additional information would be released when appropriate and that conclusions on the circumstances and causes of the accident would be guided by the investigation’s findings.

The NAF spokesman appealed to the media and members of the public to exercise restraint and sensitivity in reporting the incident, while respecting the grief and privacy of the affected families.

Despite the loss, he said NAF personnel remained committed to ongoing operations across various theatres of engagement in the interest of national security and the protection of citizens.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of its personnel and their families.