The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the identities of 25 people who died in the NAF 931 aircraft crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State, bringing greater clarity to the tragedy that occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026.
According to the latest NAF release, the victims comprised five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was an ATR-42 conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area.
Full List of Victims
Crew members
- Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
- Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
- Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
- Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
- Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician
Passengers
- Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
- Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
- Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
- Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
- Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
- Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
- Flight Sergeant James R.B.
- Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
- Sergeant Ani A.E.
- Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
- Sergeant Alafuka C.
- Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
- Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
- Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
- Mrs Ezeh Nneka
- Godstmine Tarabina
- Joy Micheal
- Sunday Micheal
- Ukeme David
- Gideon Omotola
What happened to the aircraft?
The ATR-42, with registration/tail number NGR 931, lost communication with air traffic controllers at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday while travelling from Benin towards Lagos. The wreckage was subsequently located in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The NAF initially announced that search-and-rescue operations had been activated. President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed the Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
There has been some confusion over the passenger/crew figures in early reports. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo initially reported that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard, making 32 people. The subsequent NAF release identifying 25 victims—five crew and 20 passengers—is the latest figure reported by the Air Force.
