Tinubu declares 3-day mourning for NAF crash victims

…Air Force unveils identities of crash victims

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Ondo State.

This was contained in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday.

President Tinubu also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos.

The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Tinubu said.

He also directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately investigate the cause of the crash.

“The Chief of Air Staff has briefed me, and I have directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash to prevent future occurrences,” he said.

Tinubu commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating a search and rescue operation after the crash.

Names of crew and passengers of the ill fated aircraft that crashed yesterday in ondo state. As of the time of filing this report No survivors have been found.

CREW
1.Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)
2.Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)
3.Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)
4.Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)
5.Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)

PASSENGERS
6.Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7.Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8.Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9.Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10.Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11.Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12.Flight Sergeant James RB
13.Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14.Sergeant Ani AE
15.Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16.Sergeant Alafuka C
17.Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18.Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19.Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20.Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21.Godstmine Tarabina
22.Joy Micheal
23.Sunday Micheal
24.Ukeme David
25.Gideon Omotola

The Chief of Airstaff has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.