Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has mourned Squadron Leader Ahamefule Ahah Man-Ugwueje, an Abia-born pilot who was among the 25 people killed in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda on Monday while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the crash as a painful tragedy that had caused grief to the victims’ families, the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

The governor expressed particular sadness over the death of Man-Ugwueje, who was from Umuahia, Abia State, and had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, about two weeks before the fatal crash.

Otti said Man-Ugwueje’s death shortly after his wedding made the tragedy even more heartbreaking, noting that the young couple had barely begun their life together.

The governor extended his condolences to the families of all the victims, the people of Umuahia, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones to cope with the loss.

The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash and released the names of the victims.

Man-Ugwueje was identified as one of the five crew members aboard the aircraft and served as its co-pilot.

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 also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Man-Ugwueje’s death has continued to attract attention, particularly because of his recent marriage to Adekunle.

Photographs and videos from their September 19 wedding ceremony in Abuja were shared online by vendors who participated in the event. The couple held their Holy Matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, followed by a reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.

Information from Man-Ugwueje’s social media profile indicated that he hailed from Umuahia, Abia State, while Abuja was listed as his current city.