A Nigerian Air Force pilot, Flt Lt Taiwo Olufemi Asaniyi, who was about to wed, was among the eleven that died when a Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the Kaduna International Airport on Friday.
The young officer, Asaniyi was the pilot of the ill-fated jet which also claimed the lives of his co-pilot, Flt Lt Alfred Ayodeji Olufade, newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and eight others.
Friends and family members of the young officer, who are grief-stricken at his sudden death have since taken to the social media to mourn Asaniyi.
A tweet, @_victor_kings, wrote, “Flight lieutenant T.O Asaniyi. He flew the plane, we had his introduction in March. I was going to be his best man.”
“Ahhh, no now, not Mr Asaniyi. Still saw his WhatsApp status update this week. Dear Lord!” @blessnoyiz expressed shock.
“May their soul rest in peace. My condolences,” @bcube234 tweeted.
WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, has died in a plane crash with some of his aides.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Nigerian Air Force Director of Information confirmed the mishap in a statement.