Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has expressed profound grief over the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, an Abia-born Nigerian Air Force pilot who lost his life in the crash of a Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
The Nigerian Air Force aircraft, identified as NAF 931, crashed on Monday, October 5, 2026, claiming the lives of military personnel on board and leaving families, colleagues and the wider Nigerian community mourning.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Otti described the incident as a devastating tragedy that had brought immense pain to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Air Force, while also causing sorrow across the country.
The governor extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of all the military personnel who died in the crash, stressing that the loss was particularly painful given the service and sacrifice of those involved.
Governor Otti also expressed sadness over the circumstances surrounding Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje’s death. He noted that the Abia-born officer had died barely two weeks after his wedding to Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja.
According to the governor, the timing of the tragedy makes the loss even more heartbreaking, as the newly married couple had only just begun their life together.
Otti, on behalf of his family, the Abia State Government and the people of the state, extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, the people of Umuahia, where Squadron Leader Man-Ugwueje hailed from, as well as the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.
The governor prayed for strength and comfort for the families and colleagues of the deceased during the difficult period, while also praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who died in the air disaster.
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The statement was signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, and dated October 6, 2026.
