111
By Oscar Okhifo
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people killed in Monday’s crash involving its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in a swampy area of Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed, killing all 25 people on board, according to the NAF.
The release of the victims’ identities came as disturbing footage from the crash site emerged, showing local residents navigating the waterlogged area in wooden boats in search of victims and possible survivors.
The residents, visibly shaken by what they encountered, were seen moving through the difficult terrain, with aircraft debris, clothing, shoes and other items scattered around the crash site.
In the video, one of the searchers was heard saying in Pidgin English, “We never see full human being. Na parts of the aircraft we dey see, shoes and clothes and human parts.”
Another resident, apparently pointing to items recovered from the site, said, “Small pikin dey inside. See small pikin shoes and clothes.”
The footage showed residents navigating the swamp in small wooden boats as they searched through areas where debris and human remains were reportedly found.
The waterlogged terrain appeared to have made the recovery operation particularly difficult, forcing residents and responders to navigate through the swamp to reach parts of the crash site.
It remains unclear whether the difficult terrain contributed in any way to the severity of the casualties. The circumstances surrounding the crash are expected to be established through an ongoing investigation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, described the incident as a “deeply painful moment” for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
Aneke expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who died, assuring them of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force.
He also directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The service said it would continue to provide verified updates as efforts to recover the victims and determine the cause of the crash progress.
The 25 victims identified by the NAF are:
– 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
– 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 list comprises serving military personnel and civilians who were aboard the ill-fated aircraft.
The crash has triggered widespread mourning, with condolences pouring in for the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force.
The NAF said its priority remained supporting the affected families while ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the tragedy were thoroughly investigated.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide more details on what caused the crash and whether any factors, including the difficult swampy terrain, played a role in the tragedy.