Nigerian Air Force Releases Names Of Victims Of Military Plane Crash (Photos)

The Nigerian Air Force has released names of the 7 personnel who were killed in the military aircraft that crashed in Abuja on February 21.

According to a statement from AVM Ibikunle Daramola, Director of Public Relations and Information, the deceased personnel includes:

a. Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain).

b. Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot).

c. Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist).

d. Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist).

e. Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist).

f. Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist).

g. Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

The military aircraft en route from Minna in Niger state, crashed near the runway at Abuja Airport after an engine failure was reported.

The NAF spokesman said that the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, had ordered an immediate investigation into the crash.

“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure en route Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” he said.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”

This is coming after Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika confirmed the development in a brief statement that she published on her official Twitter page on Sunday, February 21.

According to her, the military aircraft “King Air 350” crashed as a result of an Engine failure shortly after it took off from the airport’s runway.

At the time of filing this report, the Nigerian military has yet to determine whether or not there are survivors, contrary to viral reports online.

Her tweet reads ;

“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en-route, Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of the investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.” (Continue reading & watch the video here)