The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people on board an ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, that crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, have died.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the aircraft 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 survivor was found.

The five crew members were identified as 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 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, 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.

Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Nigerian Air Force urged the public to rely only on verified information and avoid speculation or the circulation of unconfirmed reports, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.