The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, has claimed the lives of several military personnel and their family members. As the search for bodies continues, state governments have begun to release the names of their indigenes involved in the tragic incident. Bayelsa and Abia States have identified their citizens who died in the crash. The NAF has named five crew members and 20 officers and family members of its personnel in the incident.
The Bayelsa State government has identified four of its citizens who lost their lives in the crash. They are Flight Lieutenant Tarila Lazarus from Southern Ijaw local government area, Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel from Yenagoa, Sergeant Ebimobowei Charles Alafuka from Ekeremor, and Godstime Tarabina from Kolokuma/Opokuma. Governor Duoye Diri expressed grief on behalf of the government and people of the state, noting that the state had been deeply affected by the tragedy.
Governor Diri had earlier issued a condolence message to commiserate with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of the Air Staff, and families of the victims. He directed that flags in the state fly at half-mast and announced that the state government would liaise with relevant authorities to alleviate the pain of the victims' families. The governor's condolence message was a testament to the state's solidarity with the affected families.
In Abia State, Governor Alex Otti mourned the death of the state-born co-pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje. The governor described the crash as painful and devastating, noting that it had brought untold sorrow and anguish to the victims' families, friends, and loved ones, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
Governor Otti lamented the death of Man-Ugwueje, who hailed from Umuahia, noting that his death came barely two weeks after he married his wife, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, in Abuja. The governor's special adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, released a condolence message on behalf of the governor, commiserating with the victims' families.
The Edo State government had yet to release any statement on the tragic incident as of the time of filing this report. However, it was gathered that the governor and other top state officials were not available to respond as they were on a political engagement outside the state capital. The NAF had named the victims, including Squadron Leader Mamud Aburimen, suspected to be a native of Edo State.
The search for bodies continues, and the state governments' release of their indigenes' names is a step towards identifying and providing support to the affected families. The incident has brought attention to the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and the need for support and care in times of tragedy.
Key points
- Bayelsa and Abia States identify their citizens who died in the NAF plane crash.
- Governor Duoye Diri expresses grief and directs that flags in Bayelsa fly at half-mast.
- Governor Alex Otti mourns the death of Abia-born co-pilot Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje.
