The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has mourned the 25 personnel and passengers who died when its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, crashed while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivor had been found.

The Service subsequently released the names of all 25 people on board, confirming the full complement of those affected by the crash.

It, however, did not provide further details on the recovery or formal identification of the remains.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims, describing the crash as a deeply painful moment for the NAF and the nation.

Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Service’s support as they come to terms with the loss.

The five crew members were Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.

The 20 passengers were 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, Godstime Tarabina, Joy Michael, Sunday Michael, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

The NAF has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash and urged members of the public to avoid speculation or the circulation of unverified information.

The Service also appealed to Nigerians to respect the privacy and dignity of the affected families as they grieve their loved ones.

Meanwhile, the Prayer and Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) has joined the NAF and the victims’ families in mourning those who died in the crash.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, the group described the incident as a painful reminder of the risks faced by military and other security personnel in the course of their duties.

PSNAFSA commiserated with the Chief of the Air Staff, the NAF, the families and colleagues of the deceased, as well as the communities affected by the tragedy.

The group also acknowledged the efforts of NAF personnel and other responders involved in the search-and-rescue operation and the management of the aftermath of the crash.

It called for sustained investment in aviation safety, operational equipment, logistics, communications, intelligence and personnel welfare to reduce risks faced by members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

PSNAFSA said the loss of personnel in the line of duty should not be allowed to become routine, noting that every fallen officer leaves behind families, colleagues and communities forced to cope with the consequences.

It urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to strengthen the capacity of security agencies by providing appropriate platforms and resources to enable personnel to carry out their duties safely and effectively.

The group prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims and for strength and comfort for their families, colleagues and loved ones.

A condolence register has also been opened at NAF Headquarters, Abuja, for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects.