The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 personnel and passengers who died in the crash involving its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF said no survivor had been found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed profound condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims, describing the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

Aneke also assured the bereaved families of the full support of the Service during the difficult period.

The five crew members identified as victims of the crash 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; and Corporal Uguru HC, Aircraft Technician.

The 20 passengers were identified as 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; and Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI.

Others were 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.

According to the NAF, search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to locate the aircraft and account for everyone on board.

However, the Service said no survivors had been found.

The Chief of the Air Staff has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The investigation is expected to establish what happened to the aircraft during the flight and identify factors that may have contributed to the fatal accident.

The NAF urged members of the public to rely only on verified information as the investigation continues, warning against speculation and the circulation of unverified reports about the incident.

It also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families as they mourn their loved ones.

The Air Force further announced that a condolence register had been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja.

The register is available to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the bereaved families and the Nigerian Air Force.

The NAF said it would continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation into the accident progresses.