By Adetokunbo Abiola
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced the names of the 25 people who died in the accident of its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, correcting earlier reports that 32 people were killed in the crash.
The NAF, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the ill-fated aircraft had 25 people on board — five crew members and 20 passengers — and that none of them survived.
The official figure was seven fewer than the 32 deaths widely reported on Monday following the accident, which took place while the aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.
The NAF said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated after the accident, with response efforts carried out in collaboration with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.
The five crew members were identified as Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje, co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, co-pilot; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, 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; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, extended condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims and described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
While assuring the bereaved families of the full support of the Nigerian Air Force during the difficult period, the Chief of the Air Staff ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The NAF promised to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urged members of the public to disregard speculation and refrain from circulating unverified information concerning the accident.
 Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other sympathisers wishing to pay their respects to the victims and their families.