NAF Crash: NYSC-Bound Graduate, Only Son, Among 25 Victims

NAF Crash: NYSC-Bound Graduate, Only Son, Among 25 Victims

A young graduate identified as Ukeme David, who had completed his clearance ahead of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was among the 25 people killed in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

David was also the only son in his family, adding to the grief of relatives who had expected him to begin a new chapter of his life with the national service programme.

The aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, while travelling from Benin to Lagos.

The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that 25 people were on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. There were no survivors.

David had reportedly travelled to Benin to complete his NYSC clearance and was expected to return to Lagos later in the week.

A family member said David changed his travel plans and boarded the ill-fated aircraft on Monday after he was asked to return earlier to help care for his sister.

The family member described him as an intelligent young man who was looking forward to beginning his national service.

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His death has left relatives and friends mourning a young graduate whose career and national service journey had only just begun.

The five crew members who died in the crash included Squadron Leader MI Aburime, the flight captain; Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako, the co-pilots; Warrant Officer Abubakar A, an aircraft technician; and Corporal Uguru HC, also an aircraft technician.

The remaining victims included serving military personnel and civilians who were travelling on the aircraft.

Following the crash, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Recovery efforts were also launched at the crash site as authorities worked to locate and recover the aircraft and remains of those killed.

The crash has triggered widespread grief among the families, colleagues and communities of the victims, while the investigation is expected to determine what caused the NAF aircraft crash.

Authorities have urged members of the public to rely on verified information concerning the incident and respect the privacy and dignity of the bereaved families as recovery and investigation efforts continue.

NAF Crash: NYSC-Bound Graduate, Only Son, Among 25 Victims