The Nigerian Air Force has released the names of two pilots who died in the Alpha Jet aircraft accident in Niamey on Monday, just as Chief of Air Staff, Air marshal Alexander Badeh described the accident as tragic.
The deceased officers are Squadron Leader Benjamin Bem Ado and Flying Officer Ayuba Joab Layelmenson.
According to a statement signed by Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, the director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Squadron Leader Ado hailed from Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State and was a member of the 50th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He was an instructor pilot who flew many aircraft types in the inventory of the Nigerian Air Force as well as in Pakistan and United States. The senior officer was married and blessed with a child.
Flying Officer Layelmenson hailed from Azare in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State and was a member of the 57th Regular Course. He graduated from Hellenic Air Force Academy in July 2011 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force as a pilot officer. He was a qualified squadron pilot on the Alpha Jet before the unfortunate incident, and was survived by his parents.
The two officers were part of the Nigerian Air Force contingent in the African Led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA) in Niamey, Niger Republic.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alexander Badeh yesterday morning paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased officers in Kaduna and Kainji. A
“I have come on behalf of the entire Air Force and a grateful nation to condole with you on the tragic loss of your beloved ones. May their souls rest in perfect peace, Air Marshal Badeh told the families.
Chief of Air staff used the opportunity of the visit to also address officers of the 99 Air combat Training Group, the home base of the deceased officers, urging them to remain steadfast in the their professional duties
