By Moses Akaigwe
Do you remember Detimbir Chia, the 13-year-old village boy whose bravery in 2006 saved five lives after he witnessed a Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft carrying 18 passengers crash in the Ngokugh Hills of Benue State?Well, a lot has happened over the past 20 years to transform that young hero into a Nigerian Army officer.
One of the passengers he helped rescue from the wreckage, General Nuhu Bala Angbazo, later mentored him through his education up to the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Today, he is Captain Detimbir Chia. Two days ago, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, he got married to a beautiful bride, with General Angbazo still standing by his side. Other prominent personalities, including a former Governor of Benue State, were also in attendance at the wedding.
Following the wedding in Makurdi, the Venue State capital, General Angbazo recalled in a statement:
“On September 17, 2006, I survived a tragic Nigerian Army aircraft crash over the Benue Valley. In that moment of uncertainty, help came from the most unexpected place—a 13-year-old boy from Mbakunu in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Detimbir Chia…
“Untrained and 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 the Nigerian Army. Yesterday, April 4, 2026, I stood in honour as that same young boy—now Captain Chia—got married. I am proud of the man he has become.
“I was also glad to share this special moment with distinguished personalities, including former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam.”
Detimbir became a hero at just 13 on that fateful day 20 years ago. He was farming in his village, Mbakunu, when he witnessed the Nigerian Air Force Dornier 228 crash into the Ngokugh Hills with 18 passengers on board.
The curious boy ran to the crash site, discovered the wreckage, and used a mobile phone belonging to a surviving officer to call his father. Together, they initiated the rescue of the five survivors.
It was a tragic incident for the Nigerian Air force and his community—one that ultimately changed his life for good.
