As the military remember the 165 officers who died in 1992 in the Ejigbo, Lagos plane crash, it has been revealed that not all of them were Nigerians.
Among them were officers from Ghana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda.
This was revealed on Sunday by the Deputy Commandant of the College, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu who added that the Nigerians were students of Nigerian Military School, Zaria.
The Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), on Sunday, held a memorial service for the 165 military officers.
The Nigeria Air Force C-130 plane crashed on Sept. 26, 1992, killing all the passengers and crew members.
This is the fourth year the College is observing a memorial ceremony in honour of the 165 deceased officers.
In his remarks, Commandant of the College, AVM Ebenezer Alade, said it was with heavy heart that they remembered the fallen heroes, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the unfortunate incident brought to an abrupt end, the lives of promising officers, with very bright future in the Armed Forces, lamenting that the nation lost a generation of middle level officers.
“It was in service to the nation that these noble officers and men that we remember today left the comforts of their homes and units after posted to serve in the college as well as being nominated to attend Senior Course 15.
“The world will not remember for long, the words we say here today, but will forever remember the price paid by the beloved officers and men,” he said.
According to him, the College has erected a befitting cenotaph, with the names of the fallen heroes, where their families can visit to remember their loved ones.
“This is to ensure that their names are not forgotten in the history of the College,” he said.
In her remarks, Mrs Stella Onabolu, wife of one of the deceased officer, thanked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College for remembering their husbands in a grand style.
“They died for the nation, and the nation is remembering and recognising them despite having died 29 years ago,” she said.
