Teenager who discovered site of crashed Air Force jet realizes ambition

*Commissioned into Army as 2nd Lt DETIMBIR Chia was only 14 years old when he first hit the headlines across the globe 12 years ago. The day was September 17, 2006. The Benue born teenager was on his father’s farm at Mbakunu village, Shanger Ya district of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State tilling the ground when he saw a plane fall from the sky into the hilly surrounding. He ran towards the scene to confirm what was really happening. Strewn across the wide area before him were bodies of the occupants of the ill-fated plane, their personal effects and what remained of the aircraft. One of his findings –a mobile phone belonging to one of the plane crash victims – would later prove valuable in finding answers to questions that began to agitate the mind. With it, he put a call through to his father who raced to the scene to join the young Chia. Meanwhile, the news was all over the air about the disappearance of the Dornier 228-212, 18 nautical miles from its destination, the Obudu Cattle Ranch hotel and conference centre in Cross River State. It was carrying 15 senior military officers and three crew members. The military officers were eight Major-Generals, two Brigadier-Generals, two Wing Commanders and one Lieutenant Colonel, Contact was immediately made with the relevant authorities who moved men and equipment to the scene, with Chia, his father and other villagers providing unusual assistance to reach the scene and evacuate the dead bodies and the survivors. And so was born a hero. The then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant–General Patrick Owoye Azazi, now late, was so touched by Chia’s courage that he asked him about his ambition. Chia was straight to the point: a soldier. Azazi promised to help him secure admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for him to realize his ambition. Yesterday, Chia was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant after a-four year training, according to online publication, Premium Times. He was one of the 365 cadets commissioned. President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the event by Vice President Yemi Oshinbajo who pledged federal government’s commitment to getting back all Nigerians abducted by terrorists. He said, “We are committed to ensuring the release of all the women and men held in captivity. Few days ago, Mr. President spoke personally to the anguished mother of Leah Sharibu; Christian girl who is the only one left as part of the Dapchi girls still in Boko Haram captivity. Mr. President assured her mother that she would be returned home safe. “And that commitment Mr President has made, is not just to her mother, but to also all the girls and young men who are still in Boko Haram captivity. “Today, all over the Northeast, our people are been provided with a chance to begin the urgent task of rebuilding their lives and livelihood.”]]>