Solomon Ikechukwu
The Nigerian Air Force on Thursday laid to rest the seven (7), personnel that died in the ill fated military aircraft that crashed in Abuja on Sunday 21, February 2021.
The seven personnel who were committed to mother earth at the National Military Cemetery Abuja, were, “Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist), and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
They died in the line of duty while, returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, said the memory of their service shall forever be blessed, and their sacrifice shall never be forgotten.
The Chief mourner added that loss of these confident, courageous and professional young officers and airmen must spur the rest of them not only to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation, but also to resolve that they shall relentlessly expose and fight all agents of destabilisation and extremism in the country.
“We must throw everything that we have into this fight, to ensure that our departed colleagues did not die in vain.
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“The untimely death of these very promising gentlemen occurred on Sunday, 21 February 21 in Abuja while they were on active duty in service to our Fatherland.
“I must confess that, even at this moment, the Nigerian Air Force is still in palpable shock and grieving very deeply upon this loss of our gallant and courageous heroes, in whom we had so much confidence, with our expectations now suddenly and painfully cut short.
“We salute the supreme sacrifice of these young men, whose lot it became to give their lives in the defence of the peace which we all enjoy and often take for granted.
“These intelligent and disciplined young officers and airmen flew their quota of ongoing surveillance missions in the North East, North West and more recently in the North Central over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the staff and students abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State,” he said.
While noting that their death is a huge loss to the Nigerian Air Force Family and indeed the entire nation, AVM Amao said that they will be greatly missed but fondly remembered for their invaluable services to the nation and humanity.
