BREAKING: NAF reveals identity of pilot, names of 25 dead soldiers on crashed aircraft

The Nigeria Air Force has revealed identity of the pilot involved in the ill-fated aircraft that killed 32 persons aboard.

The Chief of the Air Staff, CAS, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, on Tuesday extended condolences to the immediate families of dead officers and passengers involved in the crashed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

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In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters of the Nigerian Air force, Air Commodore, Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, quoted the the CAS to have described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.

The CAS extend sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives, adding that the bereaved families would get full support of the Nigerian Air Force.

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The aircraft took off from Benin to Lagos enroute Ondo State on Monday before it lost contact midair resulting to an accident that claims their lives of all passengers on board.

“Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.” The statement said.

Meanwhile, the identity and name of the lead Pilot has earlier been released.

The crew members were:

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 CAS has dordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

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