The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of those who died when a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Nigerian Air Force described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the service and the nation. Air Marshal Aneke assured the bereaved families of the service's full support.

The aircraft was carrying 25 people, five crew members and 20 passengers, on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately and coordinated with relevant authorities. The NAF said no survivors have been found.

The crew were Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain), Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot), Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot), Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technicians).

The passengers included Flight Lieutenants TL Lazarus and M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officers Onwuka F and Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeants James RB and Mohammed AI, Sergeants Ani AE, Izibenikien SI, Alafuka C and Mbadugha AN, and Lance Corporals Ugwuba FC and Eledan GE. Also on board were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash. The NAF promised timely and verified updates and urged 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 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.

The statement was signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.