The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has further clarified reports concerning the number of persons on board its ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed on Monday at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the clarification during interview on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Ejodame said official records confirmed that 25 persons were on board, comprising 20 passengers and five active crew members, with two non-active crew members included among the 20 passengers.

He said reports citing 32 persons might have arisen from a misunderstanding of standard aviation terminology, such as “25 souls on board, inclusive of seven crew.”

According to him, this means 25 persons in total, including the seven crew members, rather than 25 passengers in addition to seven crew.

On the civilians on board the aircraft, Mr Ejodame said they were family members of officers going to the same destination.

He said the NAF released the verified figures and names of those on board following search and recovery efforts and engagement with the affected families.

According to him, while continuing to mourn the loss, the service sincerely appreciates the outpouring of sympathy, solidarity and support from Nigerians and well-wishers.

He stated, “These expressions of concern have been a source of comfort during this difficult period. 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.”

Mr Ejodame said the NAF remains actively engaged with the bereaved families, providing appropriate support as they navigate the painful period.

He said a thorough investigation into the air crash was ongoing, adding that further information would be communicated as appropriate, with conclusions on the circumstances and causes guided by the investigation’s findings.

He appealed to the media and the public to exercise restraint and sensitivity in reporting the tragedy, while respecting the grief and privacy of the affected families.

The NAF spokesman also said that despite the profound loss, personnel remained committed to ongoing operations across the various theatres of engagement, confronting significant risks in the service of national security and the protection of citizens.

He said the service honoured their dedication and sacrifice and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the welfare of its personnel and their families

(NAN)