ABUJA & KADUNA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. THISDAY can authoritatively report that the names of the two Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, who were onboard the ill-fated Dornier-228 aircraft were Squadron Leader Adekunle Suara and Flying Officer Kenny Oluwatosin Olaniran.
All the seven passengers onboard the aircraft, which crashed on Saturday in Kaduna were killed.
Although the identities of the remaining five passengers were yet to be unveiled, THISDAY gathered that one of them was Hassana Usman.
The late Suara and Olaniran, who were both stationed at the NAF 301 Flying School in Kaduna, were members of the 53 regular course and 58 regular course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), respectively.
One of Suara’s course mates, who spoke to THISDAY, said he was a nice and easygoing officer.
The course mate said he also had a passion to continually learn and re-learn and had in May been at the Hawker Beechcraft Learning Centre, United States for one of such trainings.
According to those who knew him, one of his favourite quotes about flying was: “The best safety device in any aircraft is a well-trained crew.”
Born on March 13, Suara who attended Air Force Comprehensive School, Ibadan, lived in Kaduna because the NAF Flying School was stationed there.
The late squadron leader, a Chelsea fan and graduate of accounting from NDA, who got married to Mrs. Ifemayowa Laguda Suara in 2011, celebrated his birthday recently.
While Suara was promoted on September 12, 2014 to the rank of squadron leader, the younger officer, Olaniran, however was due for promotion in two months’ time.
Although he was yet to be married, Olaniran was however engaged.
Another course mate, who also spoke with THISDAY, described the Ondo State indigene as a Christian, who was true to his faith even when he was still in NDA.
Olaniran, who attended NAF Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos, was also described as an avid pilot, who after his graduation from the academy was deployed to the flying school in Kaduna because he was quite good.
Expectedly, tributes poured in torrents for the deceased persons. One Helen Feleshi Uyang wrote: “Rest on Adekunle Suara and Hassana Usman. You both will be missed greatly. God rest your souls and comfort your families. Amen.”
Another mourner, Sheila Salubi, who wrote about Adekunle said: “It’s such sad news to lose anyone, let alone those you know and have known most of your life. God gives and He alone takes.
“Trust you are in a better place now. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace and may the grace and love of the Almighty God comfort your family.”
Also, one Afolabi Oluwaseyi wrote: “I can’t blame God but your loss is a great loss even to the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
An officer, Tarnonge Ayough, who wrote on Facebook, said: “Squadron Leader Adekunle Suara was my course mate and friend. He passed on today (yesterday) but know that I will always remember him. My collabo rest in peace.”
Similarly for Suara, one Tayo Elemide wrote: “Kunle this is so heartbreaking. You meant the world to the people that loved you because of all your good virtues.
“You were the pride of your mum and you were your sister’s best friend. Buki tells me you were the best uncle to the boys.
“My heart broke for them when I heard the news, but who are we to question God. RIP precious brother. May God comfort your mum, wife, Buki and the family you left behind.”
On Olaniran’s page, one Silas Shadrach wrote: “My president, my combatant pilot, my brother, you slept so early. Still finding it hard to believe you are gone. May your soul RIP with God Almighty.”
Tina Sule Ishaku also wrote: “Enjoy Heaven my besty”, while another friend, Pearl Onzyz wrote kept it simple and wrote, “RIP”.
Also, Christy John wrote, “Rest in peace my youth president. God knows best.”
Daniella Danita Ilogho also wrote, “Rest well Kenny Oluwatosin Olaniran.
Enjoy Heaven. #WeJudgeGodFaithful.”
The ill-fated Dornier-228 aircraft , owned by NAF, crashed into Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.
The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), NAF, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, who confirmed the crash in a statement, clarified that “though no casualty was recorded on ground, there were no survivors among the passengers onboard the aircraft.”
According to him, the aircraft was Abuja bound and had taken off at about 6:45am from the Kaduna Military Airfield before the mishap.
“Bodies of the passengers have been recovered and fire fighters are already at the crash site to curtail fire from spreading to other buildings within the vicinity,” he stated.
Credit: ThisDay (Nigeria)
