By Paul Joseph
A Nigerian Air Force pilot who walked down the aisle just 17 days ago has been killed in the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, turning what should have been the beginning of a new chapter in his life into a devastating tragedy.
Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, who served as co-pilot of the ill-fated NAF 931 aircraft, married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, 2026.
The couple’s elaborate wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, Utako, Abuja, followed by a reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.
Photographs and videos from the ceremony captured moments of celebration as the newlyweds began their journey together.
One of the videographers, Beejay Creates, shared footage from the wedding with the caption, “Love in every word,” identifying the couple as “BRIDE DAMILOLA AND GROOM AHAMEFULE.”
But barely three weeks after the wedding, the joy surrounding the union was replaced by grief following the crash of the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in a swampy area of Igbokoda.
The aircraft, which was reportedly on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos, was carrying 25 people, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.
The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed that there were no survivors and released the identities of those who died in the crash, including Man-Ugwueje.
His death has added a particularly painful dimension to the tragedy, coming just days after he celebrated his marriage and began what was expected to be a new phase of his life with his wife.
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 country, while extending condolences to the victims’ families, friends and colleagues.
The military has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had earlier disclosed that no survivor was found despite search efforts involving security agencies, emergency responders, local residents and members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to the governor, residents across the river from the Nigerian Navy base in Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into the swampy area.
For Man-Ugwueje’s family, colleagues and especially his newlywed wife, the crash has transformed the memories of a wedding celebrated less than three weeks ago into a painful reminder of a life cut tragically short.
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