A Nigerian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, has died in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, barely two weeks after his wedding.
Man-Ugwueje, who served as the co-pilot of the aircraft identified as NAF 931, married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle on September 19, 2026, in Abuja.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, while the reception took place at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
The couple’s wedding was attended by family members, friends and military colleagues, with photographs and videos from the ceremony subsequently shared by vendors involved in the event.
The aircraft crashed on Monday while conducting a routine mission from Benin to Lagos. It had 25 people on board, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members.
The Nigerian Air Force on Tuesday confirmed that all 25 occupants died in the crash and released the identities of the victims, including Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a painful loss to the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased personnel.
The Air Force has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Meanwhile, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said no survivor was found at the crash site despite search and rescue efforts by security agencies, emergency responders and local residents.
According to the governor, he was informed of the incident at about 10:30am on Monday after receiving a call from the Chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area.
Aiyedatiwa said residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud noise before witnessing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area.
He added that personnel of the Nigerian Navy initially approached the scene cautiously to ascertain whether there had been a fire or explosion before commencing efforts to search for possible survivors.
The death of Man-Ugwueje has cast a sombre mood over the Nigerian Air Force and the family of the young officer, coming just 16 days after he and his bride celebrated their wedding in Abuja.
