Newlywed co-pilot, Flt LT AA Olufade, among casualties in Army chief crash
A newly married officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Flt. Lt. AA Olufade, was among the casualties in the plane crash that also consumed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Attahiru Ibrahim.
At least eight military officers including Attahiru perished in Kaduna on Friday.
The ill-fated military Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed near the Kaduna International Airport at about 6:00 p.m.
President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, expressed sorrow over the demise of the COAS and others.
He said they paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the country.
While the late COAS is well known, the identity of others are not.
Among the late COAS’ entourage were Brig Gen MI Abdulkadir, Brig Gen Olayinka, Brig Gen Kuliya, Maj LA Hayat, Maj Hamza and Sgt Umar.
Four crew members also lost their lives. They include Flt Lt TO Asaniyi, Flt Lt Olufade, SGT Adesina and ACM Oyedepo.
Olufade who hails from Kogi State is the son of media mogul Alistair Soyode.
He is said to have wedded in February this year.