FOR a pilot to be chosen to take part in an air show on the celebration of his country’s 58th independence anniversary must have been a dream come true, but for Bell Baba-Ari, that dream will never see the light of day.
Baba-Ari, a Squadron Leader in the Nigeria Air Force, was one of the pilots that lost his life when his F-Ni fighter jet collided with another during the final drill for the air parade that was to be displayed on Monday, October 1, during the celebration of Nigeria’s 58th independence anniversary.
Reports say three pilots were involved in the crash but two were able to eject from their aircraft, apparently, Baba-Ari’s aircraft’s ejection mechanism failed, and as the fighter jet crash-landed on the rocks of Katampe, Abuja, he died on the spot.
According to TheCable, one of the two pilots who successfully ejected from their own jets, later died in hospital, leaving only one survivor. The identity of the second deceased pilot is yet to be made clear.
Already, President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the Nigeria Air Force, as well as the families of the deceased officers, while a presidential delegation had visited the lone survivor in the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
On the social media, tributes have been pouring in for Baba-Ari, who many described as one of Nigeria’s finest fighter jet pilot. Some who knew the deceased personally narrated how warm and friendly he was and how his death has left them heartbroken.
A Twitter user, whose handle read @Avm_ahmid, and whose profile suggests that he is also an officer of the Air Force, wrote: “You gave me your gloves just before your flight. I still can’t stop crying. A WARRIOR WITH METAL WINGS.”
Similarly, Shehu Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly described Baba-Ari as a dedicated and dutiful soldier and prayed to God to grant him eternal rest.
“Squadron leader Bello Muhammed Baba Ari lost his life in the Abuja AirForce plane crash. He was a man passionate about his country and his duty. He was one of the nation’s best. May Allah grant him Aljanna Firdausi. Amin,” Sani wrote.
The deceased, who is survived by a wife, was buried Friday evening according to Islamic rites. The burial was attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Sadiq Abubakar, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, and other top government functionaries, as well as the deceased’s family members.
Read more tributes below:
Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun! May Firdaws be your home brother..
Bello Baba Ari was my roommate back in NMS and as reported by many of his NAF colleagues and the Air Chief himself, he’s one of the best and most skilled fighter pilots in the NAF. pic.twitter.com/3zwaSFgu73— Umar (@UmarKaboIdris) September 28, 2018
May the soul of the Pilot (Baba Ari) who died rest in peace. May God give his family, friends, and colleague the fortitude to bear the loss. ???????? pic.twitter.com/pd5mSL13OC
— Bhadmus Hakeem (@Bhadoosky) September 28, 2018
Even back in the Academy as a Cadet, SL Bello Baba Ari was a fine Cadet. If BN lines of Abyssinia BN could weep, they definitely gonna weep for his Demise. ???? I pray Allah give his wife, parents and course mates the fortitude to bear his painful exit pic.twitter.com/vxx0XPlHAe
— Kwankwasiyya ???? (@dadiyata) September 28, 2018
Gentleman Officer! Supersonic Military Aviator! One thing I fondly remember about him was his writing prowess when we were still in NMS, He wrote beautiful essays I always looked forward to read. Adieu Bello Baba Ari… https://t.co/wxfPYchmzB
— Bolaji Adepoju (@Bijelee) September 28, 2018
Unfortunately Today we lost M.B. Baba Ari the Squadron leader of the Nigerian Airforce in the sad Abuja fighter jets crash while working extremely hard to celebrate our most historic day as a nation.This is indeed a sad day for us as a nation. I express my deep sympathies. pic.twitter.com/W3FH6eF6gS
— Orji Uzor Kalu (@OUKtweets) September 28, 2018
Not only in Nigeria, this type of accident can occur anywhere in the world. I knew sqn ldr Baba Ari as one of the best Jet fighter pilots in NAF who has actively participated in the fight against insurgency in the NE. May his soul rest in Peace.
— IJ (@Ijaysalihu) September 28, 2018
Thank you for your service & sacrifice.
Sqn Ldr Baba Ari ????????
Rest in Jannatul firdaus #Patriot #copied pic.twitter.com/lcf5cmpLwC— Śàńgò Óĺùkòśò???????????????? (@Otunbakush) September 28, 2018
May Allah forgive all ur sins and may Aljannah Firdausi be ur final home Oga Sir. Sqn Ldr Bello Baba Ari… Professional Pilot with awesome personality. Sometimes d good ones are always the ones going early. RING Sir ???????? pic.twitter.com/AGoECYai4k
— Fabi D Alexander ???? (@mi_fabulouz) September 28, 2018