Karatu and his colleague, Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali, died in the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft that crashed on Tuesday,19 April, at NAF Base, Kaduna.

The fiancee of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilot, Flight Lieutenant Elijah Haruna Karatu who died on Tuesday has written an emotional tribute to him.
 
Matankari Deedeet took to her social media page to mourn, saying her late fiance was a good person and that she’s proud of him.
 
Karatu and his colleague, Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali, died in the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft that crashed on Tuesday,19 April, at NAF Base, Kaduna. 
 
The late officer’s uncle, Alhaji Sule Dauda, told BBC News Pidgin that they discussed his marriage plans recently. 

“Just recently we discussed his marriage plans. Even though we haven’t set the date, we have met with the girl’s family and they have accepted but God has plan for everything.” Dauda said.
 
In her tribute, Matankari said she is proud of her man. 
 
“My baby lives. Haruna Elijah Karatu, The spirit of just men made perfect. You have joined my cloud of witnesses. The sovereignty of God. We obey. We follow. I’m proud of you.” she wrote. 
 
In one of the pictures she shared, the Usman Danfodiyo University graduate wrote: “This pic suddenly holds a different kind of significance. Dine with the angels till we meet again at his feet”