Tragedy has struck just two weeks after Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje celebrated his marriage to fellow Nigerian Air Force officer, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, in an elaborate ceremony in Abuja.
Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, was among the 25 people who died when the aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday.
The pilot and Flight Lieutenant Adekunle tied the knot on September 19, 2026, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja. Their reception was held later at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
Photographs from the wedding captured the couple in joyful moments as they celebrated the beginning of their marriage. A videographer involved in the ceremony, Beejay Creates, shared footage from the occasion with the caption, “Love in every word.”
Sadly, just two weeks later, the joyful memories of the wedding have been replaced by grief following the fatal aircraft accident.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed on Tuesday that all 25 people aboard the aircraft—five crew members and 20 passengers—lost their lives in the crash.
The aircraft was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when it crashed into a swampy area in Igbokoda.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said he received information about the crash at about 10:30am on Monday after the chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area contacted him.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound and later saw the aircraft dive into the swampy area.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” while extending condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the victims.
The Nigerian Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
PHOTO CREDIT: Beejay Creates
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