The Nigerian Air Force has clarified that 25 people were aboard its crashed ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, correcting earlier reports of 32. The service thanked Nigerians for their support as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that 25 people were aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State, correcting earlier reports that put the number at 32.
The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, gave the clarification in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
Ejodame said official records showed that the aircraft carried 20 passengers and five active crew members. Two additional personnel who were not serving as active crew members on the flight were included among the 20 passengers.
He attributed the discrepancy in earlier reports to a possible misunderstanding of aviation terminology, particularly the phrase “25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew.”
According to him, the expression referred to 25 people in total, including the seven crew personnel, rather than 25 passengers in addition to seven crew members.
The clarification follows earlier reports that 32 people were aboard the aircraft when it crashed on Monday.
Ejodame also explained that the civilians aboard the aircraft were family members of officers travelling to the same destination.
He said the Air Force released the verified figures and names of those on board after search and recovery operations and consultations with the affected families.
The NAF spokesman acknowledged the public response to the tragedy, expressing appreciation for the messages of sympathy, solidarity and support received from Nigerians and well-wishers.
“These expressions of concern have been a source of comfort during this difficult period,” he said.
He added that those who died were not merely casualty figures but valued individuals whose loss was deeply felt by their families, colleagues and the nation.
Ejodame said the Air Force remained in contact with bereaved families and was providing appropriate support as they navigated the loss.
The NAF spokesman confirmed that a thorough investigation into the crash was ongoing, stressing that conclusions about its circumstances and causes would be guided by the findings.
He said further information would be communicated when appropriate and appealed to journalists and members of the public to avoid speculation and report the tragedy with sensitivity.
He also urged the media to respect the grief and privacy of the affected families.
Despite the loss, Ejodame said NAF personnel remained committed to ongoing operations across various theatres of engagement, continuing their duties in support of national security and the protection of citizens.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of its personnel and their families.
The crash of NAF 931 at Igbokoda remains under investigation, with the Air Force saying it will provide further verified information as appropriate.
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