The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people on board an ATR-42 aircraft died when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The plane, registered NAF 931, was carrying out a routine mission from Benin in Edo State to Lagos when the accident happened.

Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims, describing the crash as a painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and for the country.

In a statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS had assured the bereaved families of the service’s full support.

Five crew members and 20 passengers made up the 25 people on board, according to the statement.

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

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 and Lance Corporal Eledan GE.

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Also among the passengers were Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.

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Search-and-rescue operations were activated immediately after the crash, with the relevant authorities joining efforts to locate and account for everyone aboard, the Air Force said. No survivors were found.

The CAS has since ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The service called on members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.

“The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” the statement said, adding that timely and verified updates would be issued.

A condolence register has been opened at the Air Force headquarters in Abuja, the service announced.

The register is open to senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects or send messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and to the Nigerian Air Force.

The Air Force also appealed to the public to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families during the period of mourning.