Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Abia-born Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the pilots of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma, Governor Otti described the crash, which claimed the lives of the military personnel aboard the aircraft, as painful and devastating.
According to him, the tragedy had brought “untold sorrow and anguish” to the victims’ families, friends and loved ones, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the country.
“This accident is both painful and devastating, because it has brought untold sorrow and anguish to the victims’ families, their friends and loved ones, the Nigerian Air Force, and the nation at large”, Governor Otti said.
The Governor particularly lamented the death of Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje, who hailed from Umuahia, Abia State, noting that his death came barely two weeks after he married his wife, Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle, in Abuja.
Governor Otti said the officer’s death was particularly painful because it had deprived the newly married couple of the opportunity to build a life together.
The governor, on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Umuahia, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families to bear the loss
