A tragic air crash occurred in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, claiming the lives of all 25 people on board, including five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft, an ATR-42, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident happened. Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots, had recently gotten married to Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in Abuja.
The wedding was an elaborate ceremony that took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Abuja. The reception followed at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre. According to the wedding invitation, Man-Ugwueje is the son of retired Group Captain Man-Ugwueje. The couple's wedding was documented by vendors, including a videographer who shared footage with the caption, "Love in every word."
Man-Ugwueje's Facebook profile lists his hometown as Umuahia, Abia State, and Abuja as his current town/city. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that all 25 people on board died in the accident and released their names. Man-Ugwueje was identified as the co-pilot of the aircraft. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of the victims.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reported that residents heard a loud sound and saw the aircraft dive into a swampy area. The governor said search efforts involving security personnel, emergency responders, and local residents were conducted, but no survivors were found.
According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the Nigerian Navy initially stayed back to determine whether there was any fire or explosion before moving towards the crash site. Officials of the local emergency management agency, residents, and personnel of the Amotekun Corps joined the search for survivors. The governor received information about the crash at about 10:30 am on Monday.
The air crash has been met with condolences from various individuals and groups, including APC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar, and Governor Aiyedatiwa. The incident has been described as a "deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation." The Nigerian Air Force has promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
The victims of the air crash, including Man-Ugwueje, will be remembered for their service to the nation. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by military personnel and the importance of thorough investigations into such incidents. The nation mourns the loss of the victims and their families.
Key points
- Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje died two weeks after his wedding in a tragic air crash in Ondo State.
- All 25 people on board the aircraft died in the accident, including five crew members and 20 passengers.
- The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
