The Pilot of the ATR 42 Nigerian Air Force plane that crashed in Igbokoda in the Ilaje Local government area of Ondo State on Monday has been identified as Squadron Leader Ahamefule Ugweje, whose death comes barely two weeks after his wedding.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5, shortly after it disappeared from radar, with search and rescue operations continuing at the crash site.

Ugweje according to sources and the manifest released by the Nigerian Airforce was reportedly piloting the aircraft when it went down in the Igbokoda area.

Reports indicate that the aircraft was carrying 25 people, comprising 20 passengers and five crew members, including newly commissioned pilot officers and technician Samuel Victor.

However, the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning over the tragedy and directed the Nigerian Air Force and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has expressed deep shock and condolences over the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos with military personnel and some family members on board,

This was contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Oluyede, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, commiserated with the families and loved ones of all persons involved, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, NAF and the entire Armed Forces family.

“This is indeed a painful loss to the entire Armed Forces and the nation at large.

“Our personnel give their all daily to keep Nigeria safe. Their courage and sacrifices will never be forgotten,” he said.

The CDS said, in compliance with the directive of President Bola Tinubu, investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the accident.

He added that search and rescue efforts by NAF, in collaboration with sister services and emergency agencies, were ongoing at the site.

Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained resolute and committed to its constitutional mandate of securing the nation in spite of the setback.

He said the sacrifice of the fallen heroes would continue to inspire the Armed Forces in its service to the nation.

The defence chief appealed to the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the affected families while official procedures continued.

He prayed God to grant the departed eternal rest and their families the strength to bear the loss.

Squadron Leader Ahamefule  Ugweje and his wife