By Ghazali Ibrahim
Squadron Leader Aham Man Ugweje, identified in emerging reports as the pilot of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft that crashed in Ondo State, reportedly died just two weeks after getting married.
Ugweje was identified by military sources as the pilot of the ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.
The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.
According to a military source cited in reports, Ugweje had recently married before taking the ill-fated flight.
“Squadron Leader Man Ugweje Aham was the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. Sadly, he got married two weeks ago,” the source was quoted as saying.
The report has added a deeply personal dimension to the crash, which has claimed the lives of all 25 people officially listed by the NAF as being on board.
In its latest statement, the Air Force identified Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje among the crew members, alongside Flight Captain Squadron Leader MI Aburime, Flight Lieutenant IS Bako and two aircraft technicians, Warrant Officer Abubakar A and Corporal Uguru HC.
The NAF said five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the aircraft and confirmed that no survivors were found.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful moment for the Service and the nation and expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
The Air Force has also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Search-and-rescue operations were activated after the aircraft went missing, with authorities eventually locating the wreckage in the Igbokoda area.
The NAF has urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation continues.
For Ugweje’s family, however, the tragedy came barely two weeks after what should have been the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
His reported death leaves his newly married wife and family among those mourning the 25 victims of one of the Nigerian Air Force’s latest aviation tragedies.
The NAF has opened a condolence register at its headquarters in Abuja and said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses.
