By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed grief over the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, an Abia-born Nigerian Air Force officer who was among the 25 personnel killed in the crash of an Air Force aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Man-Ugwueje, a native of Umuahia, died just 16 days after his wedding to fellow Nigerian Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, in Abuja.
The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed on October 5 while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. All 25 people on board, including five crew members, died in the accident.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the crash as “painful and devastating,” saying it had plunged the victims’ families, friends, the Nigerian Air Force and the nation into grief.
“This accident is both painful and devastating, because it has brought untold sorrow and anguish to the victims’ families, their friends and loved ones, the Nigerian Air Force, and the nation at large,” the governor said.
Otti expressed particular sadness over the death of Man-Ugwueje, whose career in military aviation was cut short barely two weeks after he exchanged marital vows with his colleague.
The couple were married on September 19 in Abuja in a ceremony attended by relatives, friends and military colleagues.
Man-Ugwueje was said to come from a military family. His father is said to be a retired Group Captain of the Nigerian Air Force, while his wife also serves in the force.
The governor, on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, commiserated with the bereaved families, the people of Umuahia, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and asked God to grant their families the strength and comfort to cope with the loss.
The Nigerian Air Force has described the crash as a major tragedy and ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Man-Ugwueje was serving as a crew member aboard NAF 931 when the aircraft went down in the swampy terrain of Igbokoda, in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
