ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified the number of persons aboard its ATR 42 aircraft, designated NAF 931, which crashed at Igbokoda in Ondo State, saying official records confirmed that 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five active crew members, were on board the aircraft.

The clarification comes amid conflicting reports about the number of people aboard the aircraft, with some accounts suggesting that 32 persons were involved in the crash.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, explained that the discrepancy might have resulted from a misunderstanding of standard aviation terminology.

According to Ejodame, the 20 passengers included two non-active crew members, while five active crew members were separately recorded, bringing the total number of people on board to 25.

He explained that expressions such as “25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew” refer to 25 people altogether, including the seven crew members, rather than 25 passengers in addition to seven crew.

The Air Force spokesman said the verified figures and names of those aboard were released after search and recovery operations and consultations with the affected families.

Civilians on Board Were Family Members of Officers

Ejodame also clarified that the civilians aboard the aircraft were family members of military officers travelling to the same destination.

The clarification provides further details about the composition of those on board as the Air Force continues to mourn the loss of personnel and other individuals involved in the tragic incident.

Expressing appreciation for the support received from Nigerians and well-wishers, the NAF spokesman said the expressions of sympathy and solidarity had provided comfort to the service during the difficult period.

He stressed that the victims were not merely statistics but people whose deaths had caused deep pain among their families, colleagues and the wider military community.

“Those lost were not merely casualty figures, but valued lives, cherished loved ones and individuals whose loss is deeply felt across the service and the nation,” Ejodame said.

NAF Supports Bereaved Families as Investigation Continues

The Air Force spokesman said the service remained actively engaged with the bereaved families, providing appropriate support as they navigate the painful consequences of the crash.

He added that a comprehensive investigation into the incident was ongoing, with the findings expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and its possible causes.

According to him, further information would be communicated to the public as appropriate, while conclusions would be guided by the outcome of the investigation.

The NAF urged journalists and members of the public to exercise restraint and sensitivity when reporting the tragedy, particularly by respecting the privacy and grief of the affected families.

The appeal comes amid public interest in the incident and questions surrounding the number of people aboard the aircraft.

Air Force Reaffirms Commitment to National Security

Despite the loss, Ejodame said Nigerian Air Force personnel remained committed to ongoing military operations across various theatres of engagement, continuing to confront significant risks in the discharge of their duties.

He said the service honoured the dedication and sacrifices of its personnel and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of serving officers and their families.

The clarification is expected to help address conflicting reports about the number of people aboard NAF 931.

However, the circumstances and causes of the crash remain subject to the ongoing investigation, and the Air Force has indicated that further information will be released as appropriate.(NAN)