Wing Commander Chimda Hedima 1975 - 12/09/2014.
Today we remember and celebrate an unsung hero, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima. He was a fine and seasoned combat pilot with wealth of experience till his capture and eventual demise after his jet was downed over enemy line. In the heat of battle, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima and his copilot's aircraft received significant damages from the enemy's antiaircraft guns. The two pilots had three options. Fly the badly damaged cum attrition ridden aircraft back to base. Bail out of it. Or fly the aircraft into the enemy column. The first two options would increase their chances of survival while the last had obvious steep consequences. Alas, they made up their minds, they would fly into the enemy and bail out in the dial minute. As experienced fighter pilots, they know of the steep consequence of their action. They were fully aware of the little margin for survival yet, like the true hero they were they carried out their heroic action. 63 BHTs were sent to their 72 virgins in hell and others sustained injuries.
Their heroic deed was unprecedented and unmatched in this present era of human existence. We will have to go back in history to the First and Second World Wars to find similar heroic feat. Russian pilots in WWI were the first to practise Air Ramming against enemy aircrafts when their planes either run out of ammunitions or were badly damaged. The Japanese took it to a whole different and unique level in WWII. They called it Kamakaze. Despite the unconventional nature of this tactic, even the enemy grudgingly agreed it was highly effective. The USS Bunker Hill bombing in 1945 is an unforgettable testimony when two Japanese pilots, Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa and Lt. Seizō Yasunori piloted their bomb-laden aircraft into US army bunker killing nearly 400 personnels. Those Japanese and Russian heroes were celebrated. Hymns and ballad were composed for them. Women and men, young and old sang of them. Famous landmarks were named after them. Their names were immortalized.
Sadly, here in Nigeria not even a brick was named after WC Chimda Hedima. When Boko Haram terrorists released the gory footage of his decapitation, ex-NAF spokesman, Dele Alonge denied ever knowing the fine pilot. "The man shown in the Boko Haram video is not our officer. The picture of a man beheaded in the video is superimposed," he told Associate Press (AP) without elaborating. Every Nigerians understand the importance of downplaying enemy propaganda. Heck, I never watch their propaganda videos myself. Dele Alonge under Alex Badeh's leadership never had to deny him. In war, you win some you lose some, Nigerians understand and emphatise. Badeh sent a wrong message by denying his man. He had days to remedy the disgraceful situation yet he remained obstinate. Perhaps, he later gave the man some behind the scene honorarium but none could be like doing what is right. But this is just by the way, today is not about Badeh and co anyway.
Today, ordinary Nigerians will remember him. His heroic feat will remain indelible in our minds. Posterity shall hear and read of his good deeds. As long as our phones and laptops continue to have internet accessibility, our heroes' names shall never fade from the internet of times.
Wing Commander Chimda Hedima may your gentle, caring soul rest in perfect peace. You died for something far greater than any of us. You died so every Nigerian could have peace of mind. You died because you believed in us. We will not betray your trust.
God bless you true hero!
Rest on!!
Cc. Lalasticlala, Mynd44.

RIP hero
And to the Alex Badeh and Arthur Ezes of this world that felt importing helicopters with wrong rotors is what our fine pilots needed to prosecute the war, remember karma doesn't joke with anyone.
http://saharareporters.com/2015/03/10/how-jonathan-awarded-500-million-defense-contract-arthur-eze-purchase-refurbished

RIP gallant officer.This country Is not what it.

To the families of the fallen members of NIGERIA MILITARY, our hearts are with you,Thank you for your service

these guys have fought, given tears, sweat, & blood to ensure we are save Thank you

All you need is to believe in yourself, that *you can* do it.!!
It's TIME to bring out the Lion in you..!!

Stay motivated.

RIP sir, The NAF family will always remember you.

While it dwells somewhere in the hearts of military men and women,the question ; "I love my country but do they love me back" they push on sweating,bleeding and dying that we may enjoy time in peace.

We today remember the gallant Wing Commander on whose wings loyalty and valor was redefined.Your sacrifice would never be forgotten till the end of days

Rest In peace.

IbnSultaan:
these guys have fought, given tears, sweat, & blood to ensure we are save Thank you

He was a brave and exceptional soldier, who did what is right together with is co-pilot, knowing the chances of making is slim and sacrificed is life to pave way for the ground sweeping troops.

R.I.P soldier.

Xbee007:
Wing Commander Chimda Hedima 1975 - 12/09/2014.
Today we remember and celebrate an unsung hero, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima. He was a fine and seasoned combat pilot with wealth of experience till his capture and eventual demise after his jet was downed over enemy line. In the heat of battle, Wing Commander Chimda Hedima and his copilot's aircraft received significant damages from the enemy's antiaircraft guns. The two pilots had three options. Fly the badly damaged cum attrition ridden aircraft back to base. Bail out of it. Or fly the aircraft into the enemy column. The first two options would increase their chances of survival while the last had obvious steep consequences. Alas, they made up their minds, they would fly into the enemy and bail out in the dial minute. As experienced fighter pilots, they know of the steep consequence of their action. They were fully aware of the little margin for survival yet, like the true hero they were they carried out their heroic action. 63 BHTs were sent to their 72 virgins in hell and others sustained injuries.
Their heroic deed was unprecedented and unmatched in this present era of human existence. We will have to go back in history to the First and Second World Wars to find similar heroic feat. Russian pilots in WWI were the first to practise Air Ramming against enemy aircrafts when their planes either run out of ammunitions or were badly damaged. The Japanese took it to a whole different and unique level in WWII. They called it Kamakaze. Despite the unconventional nature of this tactic, even the enemy grudgingly agreed it was highly effective. The USS Bunker Hill bombing in 1945 is an unforgettable testimony when two Japanese pilots, Ensign Kiyoshi Ogawa and Lt. Seizō Yasunori piloted their bomb-laden aircraft into US army bunker killing nearly 400 personnels. Those Japanese and Russian heroes were celebrated. Hymns and ballad were composed for them. Women and men, young and old sang of them. Famous landmarks were named after them. Their names were immortalized.
Sadly, here in Nigeria not even a brick was named after WC Chimda Hedima. When Boko Haram terrorists released the gory footage of his decapitation, ex-NAF spokesman, Dele Alonge denied ever knowing the fine pilot. "The man shown in the Boko Haram video is not our officer. The picture of a man beheaded in the video is superimposed," he told Associate Press (AP) without elaborating. Every Nigerians understand the importance of downplaying enemy propaganda. Heck, I never watch their propaganda videos myself. Dele Alonge under Alex Badeh's leadership never had to deny him. In war, you win some you lose some, Nigerians understand and emphatise. Badeh sent a wrong message by denying his man. He had days to remedy the disgraceful situation yet he remained obstinate. Perhaps, he later gave the man some behind the scene honorarium but none could be like doing what is right. But this is just by the way, today is not about Badeh and co anyway.
Today, ordinary Nigerians will remember him. His heroic feat will remain indelible in our minds. Posterity shall hear and read of his good deeds. As long as our phones and laptops continue to have internet accessibility, our heroes' names shall never fade from the internet of times.
Wing Commander Chimda Hedima may your gentle, caring soul rest in perfect peace. You died for something far greater than any of us. You died so every Nigerian could have peace of mind. You died because you believed in us. We will not betray your trust.
God bless you true hero!
Rest on!!
Cc. Lalasticlala, Mynd44.

Nice work xbee007 and all the contributors.

Sorry just want to cheap in these ; much is not said or known about his co-pilot..?

If only d dead can come back to life.… Rip commander!

bidex111:
Sorry just want to cheap in these ; much is not said or known about his co-pilot..?

With the little research I did, I couldn't find anything on the copilot. I don't even know whether he survived the crash or not. In fact, I can't even find his name. Let's just hope that he survived.

bidex111:


He was a brave and exceptional soldier, who did what is right together with is co-pilot, knowing the chances of making is slim and sacrificed is life to pave way for the ground sweeping troops.

R.I.P soldier.

No word on d copilot

R.I P.
You died so that other Nigerians could live.You went to your death as a Lion.
Your death signified to the enemy, it was only a matter of time before Hell on Earth would visit them on daily basis.
You now belong to the Ages.
You will always fly with Angels.
You have fought the good fight.
You have run your final race.
Well done thy good and faithful servant
Now continue to rest in the Bosom of the Lord.

To an unsung hero RIP

lalasticlala