No survivors as military aircraft crashes near Abuja airport
A military plane has just crashed near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, amidst reports that there were no survivors.
Aviation minister Hadi Sirika confirmed the development in a short statement on Twitter Sunday afternoon.
“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any,” the minister said.
Nigerian Air Force spokesman Ibikunle Daramola confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Daramola said a Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft logged an engine failure on its way to Minna and crashed while returning to Abuja. All seven officials on board died in the crash, which triggered a massive explosion near the airport.
An investigation into the cause of the crash has been ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff Isiaka Amao, the spokesman said.
Nigerians have expressed sadness about the development and also demanded an urgent investigation. Opposition leader Atiku Abubakar extended condolences to the families of the departed officers, whom he said put in their best in service to the nation.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
My administration delivered 10,623 homes in seven years: Sanwo-OluÂ
The governor said his administration remained committed to improving access to homeownership.
Heading 2
Lagos police detain four officers over harassment of young man in Ikorodu
Mr Fatai had also ordered the disbandment of the tactical team.
States
AHIP, IOM train 50 stakeholders on safe migration in Kano
The director called for intensified public awareness campaigns to discourage irregular migration.
Sport
Nigeria beat defending champions North Korea 3-1 to reach Women’s U-17 World Cup knockout round
Oluwakemisola Adegbuyi opened the scoring for Nigeria 15 minutes into the match.
Education
Edo assembly moves to harmonise 39 education laws
Mr Okogbe said the reform would introduce merit-driven incentives and grants for public schools.
Heading 4
State Police: 24 state assemblies approve constitutional amendment
Mr Gbajabiamila said the approval provided constitutional backing for the policing framework.
