By Following initial reports that a military plane crashed near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, more details have emerged about the identity of the victims.
The aircraft, belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) named Beechcraft KingAir B350i, crashed after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, according to a statement on Twitter by the Aviation minister Hadi Sirika.
Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash. They are:
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).
Meanwhile the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshall Ibikunle Daramola, the Force stated that the aircraft was 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.
