By Major General Nuhu Bala Angbazo (rtd)
On September 17, 2006, I survived a tragic Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Dornier 228 aircraft crash over Benue Valley as a Lt Col. In that moment of uncertainty, help came from the most unexpected place – a 13-year-old boy from Mbakunu in Kwande LGA of Benue State.
His name was Detimbir Chia.
Untrained, unprepared, yet courageous, he played a critical role in saving my life that day. I made a decision then: Such courage must not go unnoticed. I took responsibility for his future and supported his journey into joining the Nigerian Army.
On April 4, 2026, I stood in honour as that same young boy, now Captain Chia, got married.
From a crash site in 2006… to a wedding altar in 2026.
From a brave village boy…to a decorated officer of the Nigerian Army.
This is not just a story of survival. It is a story of destiny, opportunity, and what happens when we invest in people.
I am proud of the man he has become.
Also glad to share this special moment with distinguished personalities, including former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.
Indeed, some encounters are not accidents—they are divine appointments.
Major General Nuhu Bala Angbazo (rtd) is a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos, former Head of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), and former Nigerian Defence Adviser to Mali