- Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, identified in reports as one of the crew members of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, had reportedly got married two weeks before the tragedy.
- The Nigerian Air Force later identified him as a co-pilot of NAF 931 and confirmed that none of the 25 people on board survived.
Squadron Leader Ahamefule Man-Ugwueje, one of the crew members of the Nigerian Air Force aircraft that crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, had reportedly got married just two weeks before the tragedy.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, Man-Ugwueje was part of the crew aboard the ATR-42 aircraft with registration number NAF 931 when it crashed during a routine flight from Benin to Lagos on Monday.
The report identified him as the pilot of the aircraft and named Samuel Victor as the technician on board.
However, the Nigerian Air Force, in an update released on Tuesday, identified Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje as a co-pilot, alongside Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime and another co-pilot, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako. The Air Force said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.
The NAF also confirmed that no survivors had been found following the crash and said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, had directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
NAF 931 was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13 a.m. on Monday. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a swampy area near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The devastating development has continued to draw emotional reactions online, particularly following reports that Man-Ugwueje had only recently married.
Several Nigerians expressed sympathy for his family and wife, while others mourned the loss of the military personnel and passengers who died in the crash.
Reactions
Ruben Mon: Village people are stronger than devil.
Comr Samuel Monday: We make many plans for ourselves but Life has plans for us too and it could be Good or Bad…🥺
Lovemetender Vivian: Someone’s hand is in this believe me
Tomiloba Ayanbadejo: Hmmm. Sad. I hope his family and wife are able to endure the pain and move on when the time is right
Helen Ene: Dear young wife, I feel your pain. May God help through and through
Lexy Sure: Where is MM Haruna??
Adebayo Adeniyi: Tomorrow ain’t promised
Onuorah Adaeze Chidimma: Oh Jesus 😭😭😭😭
Gbenga Segun: Rip Igbo amaka
