…Buhari, Lawan, Sanwo-Olu others commiserate with families
By Ayo Fadimu, Seun Ibiyemi, Blessing Wika and Matthew Denis, Abuja
Fear gripped the Nigerian aviation sector as seven persons on board of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, Beechcraft KingAir BB305i.which was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State crashed in Abuja few minutes after take off.
Following fear of sabotage, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the air crash involving the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft King Air B350i aircraft.
The NAF earlier yesterday, 21 February 2021, confirmed that one of its aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.
Air Vice Marshal Amao instituted the investigative panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola disclosed in a statement that the panel has commenced its work. This, he said is a follow up to notification of the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased by NAF.
Regretfully, he announced that the following 7 personnel lost their lives in the crash: Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot). Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist),
Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
Confirming the crash in a statement, Director Ibikunle urged the public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation.
He noted that the Chief of the Air Staff on behalf of all NAF personnel commiserates with the families of the deceased.
He said: “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure en route to Minna.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash.”
The names of the officers on board the NAF 201 B350 Aircraft are as follows: “Flt. Lt. Gazama, Flt. Lt. Piyo, Flg. Offr. Okpara, FS Olawumi, and ACM.”
Daramola said the CAS earlier visited the scene of the accident, in company of the Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired); Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor, and other Service Chiefs.
The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, commiserated with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose.
According to investigation, the Aircraft reported engine failure at 1039 and crashed landed a minute later on the final approach path of Abuja Runway 22 at 1048UTC
The aircraft, a NAF201 B350, was said to be Minna, Niger State bound when it developed engine problem around 10:39am.
It was said to have crash landed at the final approach path of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport runway 22 around 10:48am and immediately gutted fire.
Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N) has confirmed the crash of the military aircraft KingAir 350 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The General Manager, Public Affairs of AIB, Mr Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed this on Sunday in an interview in Lagos.
Oketunbi said, “It is a military aircraft and the crash is outside our jurisdiction to comment.”
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the fatal crash of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft on Sunday in Abuja, which claimed lives of seven personnel.
President Buhari made his feelings known in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Sunday. The President extended heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of the tragedy.
He joined the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel who died in the line of duty.
President Buhari noted that while investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, “The safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.”
He prayed that God would comfort the bereaved families and the nation and grant the souls of the departed peaceful rest.
Also, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has expressed his shock and sadness over the tragic news of the crash of a Nigerian military aircraft in Abuja on Sunday.
Lawan sent his condolences to the families of those killed in the accident and prayed that Allah would comfort them in this time of grief.
He also commiserated with the Nigerian Air Force and charged the authorities to reinforce their safety measures against future occurrence.
With heavy heart, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commiserated with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) over the crash of Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air B350 aircraft, a military aircraft, in Abuja on Sunday.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary Mr Gboyega Akosile, the governor also commiserated with families, friends and associates of the victims of the unfortunate crash. Sanwo-Olu expressed his condolence in a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile on Sunday.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and grant the families they left behind the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.