A tragic incident occurred on October 5, when a Nigerian Air Force aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo, resulting in the loss of all personnel on board. Among the victims was Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, who was serving as co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft. His death has brought a devastating twist to a family tragedy that began two decades ago, as his wife, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, is the daughter of the late Wing Commander O. E. Adekunle, who died in a similar aircraft crash in 2006.
The late Wing Commander Adekunle died on September 17, 2006, when a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft crashed in Benue State, killing 13 senior military officers on board. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Cross River State when it crashed, leaving behind a trail of grief for the families of the victims. Two decades later, another aircraft tragedy has claimed the life of Damilola's husband, Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje, who was married to her on September 19, 2026, just 16 days before his death.
Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje came from an Air Force family, being the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje. He was building his career in the service when his life was cut short in the Igbokoda crash. The incident has created a painful link between two generations of the Adekunle family, with Damilola's father dying in a similar tragedy in 2006 and her husband meeting the same fate in 2026.
Another victim of the Igbokoda crash was Squadron Leader Mamud I. Aburimen, who was pursuing a master's degree in Mass Communication at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) before his death. Aburimen had reportedly been at the university on Friday for a make-up test, only days before the aircraft crashed while he was travelling from Benin to Lagos. His classmates and lecturers have described him as a disciplined, quiet, and committed individual who balanced his military duties with his academic pursuits.
Flight Lieutenant M. Akintoye, another victim of the crash, had visited his mother, Professor Emily Akintoye, a staff member of Benson Idahosa University, Benin, on the day of her birthday, just hours before the aircraft took off. Akintoye had stopped over in Benin to celebrate his mother's birthday and inform her that the personnel were proceeding to Lagos. The birthday celebration subsequently turned into a mourning ceremony for the family.
The Igbokoda crash has also affected the family of co-pilot Flight Lieutenant I. S. Bako, who had recently gotten married. The incident has added to the grief among the bereaved families and colleagues, with flags flown at half-mast at the Air Force military base and Air Force Military Hospital as officers and relatives mourned the deceased personnel.
The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of the victims of the military aircraft crash, and the incident has led to a three-day mourning period declared by President Tinubu. The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks faced by military personnel in the line of duty and the impact of such incidents on their families and colleagues.
Key points
- The Igbokoda crash has reopened a painful chapter in the Adekunle family, with Damilola's father dying in a similar aircraft crash in 2006 and her husband meeting the same fate in 2026.
- The incident has resulted in the loss of 25 lives, according to the Nigerian Air Force.
- The crash has led to an outpouring of tributes and condolences for the victims and their families.
