A joyous beginning to married life has ended in tragedy following the death of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje, one of the Nigerian Air Force personnel killed in Monday’s aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

Man-Ugwueje had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, 2026—barely two weeks before the fatal accident.

The couple celebrated their holy matrimony 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 the newlyweds celebrating what should have marked the beginning of a long life together.

Tragically, Man-Ugwueje was among the five crew members aboard the Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, which crashed while flying from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.

The aircraft was carrying 25 people—20 passengers and five crew members. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently confirmed that everyone on board died.

Man-Ugwueje, who was identified as the aircraft’s co-pilot, was reportedly from Umuahia, Abia State, and was the son of a retired Nigerian Air Force Group Captain.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the tragedy as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria, while extending condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

The Air Force has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine what caused the aircraft to crash.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said residents near Igbokoda heard a loud sound before seeing the aircraft plunge into a swampy area. Security personnel,

emergency officials and local residents subsequently joined efforts to reach the wreckage and search for survivors.

For Man-Ugwueje’s young widow, however, the tragedy is particularly heartbreaking: wedding photographs taken only weeks ago have suddenly become memories of a marriage cut painfully short.

May the souls of Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man-Ugwueje and all those who lost their lives in the crash rest in peace.
By Olusola Agbalu

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