Nigerians Mourn As former ADC To Abdulsalam, Newly Married NAF Pilot Die In Kaduna Crash

Shock, bewilderment, and surprise are probably not enough to describe the feelings of millions of Nigerians over the death of accomplished and promising 12 military personnel, including the Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who died, when a Beachcraft 350 aircraft crashed at the runway of Kaduna International Airport on Friday May 21, 2021.

Among the dead was Brigadier General Kuliya, who was ADC to General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd.), who was Nigeria’s head of state between June 1998 and May 1999.

Kuliya was described as a committed military officer, who was loved by all for his dedication to duty and professionalism.

Another victim of the crash was a Nigerian Air Force pilot, Flt Lt Alfred Ayodeji Olufade.

Friends and associates of Olufade have since taken to the social media to express raw grief over the sad demise of the officer.

A tweep, @Sir_KB, wrote, “My heart is in pain. I lost my friend. Flight Lt. AA Olufade. He got hitched months back and often teased me to get out of the bachelorhood. Rest well Freddy.”

@OvieNews said, “Rest in Peace Alfred. Flight Lt. AA Olufade just married two months ago. Our Heroes.”

Also, @SodyBar stated, “Olufade is a close associate. He got married February this year. We’re all disheartened!”

“We’re all saddened by his death. Everyone affiliated with Kuje seminary will surely miss him. May the Almighty grant you eternal rest,” @EmekaWilfred wrote.

@ogunwens tweeted, “We are all in pain, may his soul and others rest in peace. May their deaths not be in vain. My family and I salute our heroes.”

“Aaaaah Alfred, hmmm this is so devastating and unbelievable. May God almighty grant you eternal rest and comfort your entire family,” tweeted another associate, @Sweetne05954276.

The victims of the crash would be buried today Saturday at the military cemetery in Abuja.