The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the 25 people who died when its ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred on Monday.

The Nigerian Air Force said 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

No survivors were found.

The release of the names came after conflicting figures emerged shortly after the crash. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had initially said preliminary information indicated that 32 people were on board.

The NAF has now confirmed the final figure at 25.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.

He described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

The NAF also said a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Full list of victims

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

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

The Air Force said search and rescue procedures were activated after the aircraft went down, with relevant authorities involved in efforts to locate and account for everyone on board.

The military has urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

The crash has also prompted renewed questions about the safety and maintenance of military aircraft, although the cause of the accident has not yet been established.

Until investigators complete their work, no cause should be attributed to the crash as fact.

For the families of the 25 victims, however, the investigation is more than an official procedure.

They will want answers.

What caused the aircraft to crash?

Was there any mechanical failure?

Were there warnings before the aircraft departed?

What condition was the aircraft in?

And could the tragedy have been prevented?

Those questions will ultimately have to be answered by the investigation.

As for now, Nigeria mourns the 25 lives lost.