The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has paid a condolence visit to the family of Squadron Leader Bello Baba-Ari, the Nigerian Air Force pilot who died on Friday, as a result of an air mishap.
Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Daramola said that Abubakar , who was received by the deceased’s father, Alhaji Abu Baba-Ari, lauded the sterling virtues of the late senior officer.
The statement quoted the CAS as saying that the late pilot was an exceptional officer who excelled in virtually every area of his career.
Abubakar described late Baba-Ari as an intelligent, articulate, hardworking, resourceful and dedicated officer who was well liked and respected by his peers, subordinates and superiors alike.
He said that Baba-Ari had distinguished himself as an outstanding combat pilot who had made tangible contributions in the counter terrorism operations in the North East.
The NAF boss urged the family to take solace in the fact that their son was a hero, who had made the supreme sacrifice in service to the nation.
He prayed that God would continue to comfort the entire family.
Prayers were also offered for the repose of the deceased NAF pilot’s soul.
Daramola said that Abubakar was accompanied on the condolence visit by a team comprising all 10 Branch Heads from NAF Headquarters as well as the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command and Commander 101 Air Defence Group, where late Baba-Ari previously served as acting Commander.
The deceased pilot, Baba-Ari, was buried at the Gudu Cemetery on Friday , Abuja.