LAGOS — Brigadier General Biodun Bashir Adewinmbi (Rtd.), former Director of Army Finance and Account (DAFA), Headquarters, Nigeria Army Finance Corps, Apapa, Lagos, has paid tribute to officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the Ejigbo Swamp crash in Lagos on September 26, 1992.
In a solemn remembrance marking the anniversary of the tragedy, Adewinmbi described the fallen officers as men of courage, discipline, honour and patriotism who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of Nigeria.
According to him, although 34 years have elapsed since the tragic incident, the memory of the officers and their contribution to the nation remain deeply etched in the hearts of their colleagues, families and compatriots.
Adewinmbi said the fallen officers should be remembered not merely for the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but for the values they demonstrated throughout their service to the country.
“Their lives may have been cut short, but their service, courage and legacy live on. I remember not only how they died, but how they lived — with dedication, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to duty,” he said.
The retired military officer extended his thoughts to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased, urging them to draw strength from the knowledge that the fallen officers devoted their lives to the service of the nation.
He noted that the sacrifice of the officers remains an enduring part of Nigeria’s military history and should continue to inspire present and future generations of Nigerians.
Adewinmbi paid tribute to their courage and dedication, emphasizing that their service represents a lasting reminder of the demands and sacrifices associated with military service.
“They served with honour. They sacrificed with courage. They fell in the line of duty. They shall never be forgotten,” he stated.
He also prayed for the continued repose of the souls of the fallen officers and for their memories to remain preserved in the annals of Nigeria’s history.
“Gone from our sight, but never from my heart. Gone from this earth, but never from the legacy they left behind. Their service lives on. Their sacrifice lives on. Their memory lives on,” Adewinmbi said.
The former Director of Army Finance and Account concluded his tribute with a solemn message to the fallen officers, their families and the nation:
“Rest on, our fallen heroes. Nigeria and Nigerians will never forget you.”
The remembrance comes as Nigerians continue to honour members of the Armed Forces and other security personnel who have paid the supreme price in the service of the nation.
