By Michael Lim, Jos

On Tuesday morning, the corpse of an unidentified man was found behind the Monday Market in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State with his private part and other vital organs allegedly removed.

According to a community source, the corpse was discovered by members of the community in the morning, upon which security operatives were alerted, and they reportedly arrived at the scene to evacuate the body.

The disturbing discovery attracted concerned residents to the General Hospital, Pankshin, where efforts were made to identify the deceased.

The Punch reports that a local resident, Panshak Rogo, who spoke at the hospital, said the identity of the deceased was yet to be established.

“Presently, we are at the General Hospital. We are here because there is an unidentified individual who was killed around Monday Market.

“The corpse is yet to be identified because some sensitive organs have been removed from the body. His ears and nose were cut off, while his private part has also been tampered with.”

Rogo urged members of the public who had relatives or friends reported missing to contact the police for possible identification of the corpse.

“Please, if you have any report of a missing person, go to the nearest police station. To be precise, Pankshin Police Station is important,” he said.

He appealed to anyone with useful information about the deceased or the circumstances surrounding his death to report to the police.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Police Command for confirmation and further details were unsuccessful as of press time.

By Felix Umande

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that 25 persons died in the crash of its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State, and has released the list of casualties.

The release corrects the earlier speculated crew members and passengers said to be 32, as victims of the crash.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, in a statement on Saturday, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Air Force and the nation, and expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers.

The aircraft had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, and was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

According to the NAF, search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities, but no survivors were found.

The Air Force assured bereaved families of its full support during this difficult period.

The casualties are:

Crew

1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician

Passengers
6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye
8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS
12. Flight Sergeant James RB
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI
14. Sergeant Ani AE
15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI
16. Sergeant Alafuka C
17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC
19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola

Air Marshal Aneke has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, said the NAF will continue to provide timely and verified updates, and urged the public to refrain from speculation and circulation of unverified information while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.

A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers.

By Felix Umande

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a three-day national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in the crash of a military aircraft on Saturday.

The President also directed that flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the fallen officers.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed profound sadness over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 jet near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.

The aircraft, carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and all officers, airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, the President described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the entire nation.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” President Tinubu said.

He disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff had briefed him on the incident and that he has directed the Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future occurrences.

“I commend the Nigerian Air Force for activating an immediate search and rescue operation following the accident,” he added.

According to the statement, the Nigerian Air Force will release the names of the officers after contacting their families.