A Nigerian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, has been identified among the 25 people killed in Monday’s military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, barely 16 days after he married fellow Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in a swampy area of Igbokoda, headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, while travelling from Benin City to Lagos on a routine mission.
The NAF confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the accident.
Man-Ugwueje was one of the two co-pilots on the aircraft. His death came just over two weeks after his wedding in Abuja on September 19.
Photographs and videos from the wedding showed Man-Ugwueje and Adekunle celebrating with family and friends during the ceremony.
The wedding invitation indicated that the couple’s Holy Matrimony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre, Asokoro.
A wedding videographer, Beejay Creates, who covered the ceremony, subsequently shared footage from the event on social media, identifying the couple as bride Damilola and groom Ahamefule.
The wedding invitation also identified Man-Ugwueje as the son of a retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje.
The NAF identified the deceased pilot as Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje in its official list of victims, while Squadron Leader MI Aburime was listed as the flight captain and Flight Lieutenant IS Bako as the other co-pilot.
The remaining crew members were Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC, both aircraft technicians.
The 20 passengers killed in the crash were Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus, Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye, Flying Officer IM Adeshina, Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F, Master Warrant Officer Matini BA, Warrant Officer Nuhu FS, Flight Sergeant James RB, Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI, Sergeant Ani AE, Sergeant Izibenikien SI, Sergeant Alafuka C, Sergeant Mbadugha AN, Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC, Lance Corporal Eledan GE, Mrs Ezeh Nneka, Godstmine Tarabina, Joy Micheal, Sunday Micheal, Ukeme David and Gideon Omotola.
The aircraft reportedly disappeared from radar shortly after take-off from Benin, with air traffic controllers losing contact with it at about 9:13am.
It subsequently crashed into a swamp in Igbokoda.
The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated in coordination with relevant authorities.
He, however, confirmed that no survivor was found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation”.
Aneke expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Atiku, Obi, governors mourn
The tragedy has triggered condolences from political leaders and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, described the crash as a heartbreaking tragedy.
In a statement posted on his verified X account on Tuesday, Atiku said 25 lives had been lost in the accident and expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed 25 lives,” he said.
Atiku said the loss would be particularly difficult for families who had suddenly been deprived of their loved ones.
He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces of Nigeria and prayed for strength for the bereaved families.
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, also mourned the victims.
Obi said in a statement that he was deeply saddened by the crash and offered his condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the families of the deceased officers and personnel, and their colleagues and loved ones.
“These courageous men and women devote their lives to defending our nation and safeguarding our people. Their service and sacrifice must never be overlooked,” he said.
Obi prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for comfort and strength for their families and the Armed Forces.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, also expressed condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Air Force and the families of the victims.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Diri described the incident as tragic and extended his sympathies to the Chief of the Air Staff and the entire military community.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum joined the mourning, with its Chairman, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressing condolences on behalf of the 36 state governors and Nigerians.
In a statement by the NGF Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Abdullahi, AbdulRazaq extended sympathy to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
He commended the commitment of the military personnel who died in the crash and prayed for comfort for their families.
The NAF has urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information while investigations into the crash continue.
The Service said it would provide verified updates as the investigation progresses and appealed to Nigerians to respect the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
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