The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people who died in the crash involving an ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which was carrying five crew members and 20 passengers, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, while reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The NAF said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board. However, the Air Force confirmed that no survivors had been found.
In a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, the Service expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.
He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support and directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF also urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information as investigations continue, stressing the need to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
One of the victims was Squadron Leader Ahamefule “Man” Ugweje, listed in the official manifest as Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, a co-pilot on the aircraft.
His death has particularly saddened members of the military community, coming barely two weeks after his wedding.
The official manifest lists Squadron Leader MI Aburime as the flight captain, while Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako were listed as co-pilots.
The remaining crew members were Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician, and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.
Recovery operations at the crash site have been complicated by the difficult swampy terrain, with authorities facing challenges accessing the location and obtaining the heavy-duty equipment required to evacuate the wreckage.
The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Ohagwu, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 6, during an assessment visit to the site with senior officers of the command.
Ohagwu said security personnel and emergency responders were continuing efforts to recover human remains and fragments of the aircraft.
He explained that access to the crash site had been particularly difficult because of the surrounding creeks, mangrove forests and waterlogged terrain.
According to the commissioner, the aircraft was found shattered, with human remains and passengers’ personal belongings scattered across the area.
He said the authorities were awaiting technical support and specialised machinery capable of lifting and evacuating the wreckage from the swamp.
The police have maintained a presence at the site to support recovery operations and secure the area. The Marine Police Unit and the Divisional Police Officer in Igbokoda were also commended for their prompt response following the crash.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning in honour of those who lost their lives in the crash.
The President also directed the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of the Air Staff to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and establish its cause.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel and other victims, while assuring the affected families of the nation’s sympathy during the period of mourning.
The NAF said a condolence register had been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.
Full List of Victims
Crew
- 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
Passengers
- 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 Nigerian Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses, while recovery efforts at the crash site continue.
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