Nigerians have been reacting to the sad news of KingAir B350i plane that crashed near Abuja airport on Sunday, as they sympathize with the Force over the accident.
The KingAir B350i which is a Beechcraft belonging to the Nigeria Air Force, crashed near the Abuja airport killing all seven military personnel on board.
The Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola confirmed the sad incident on the official social media handle of NAF.
He said the NAF Beechcraft KingAir B350i crashed due to an engine failure, while en route Minna, the state capital of Niger State.
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 enroute Minna. First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. While urging the general public to remain calm & await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased,” he added.
CAS visited the scene of the accident, in the 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 have since commiserated with the families of officers saying “on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, once more commiserates with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose”.
The names of those who died were listed as:
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).
Nigerians on hearing the sad news, took to social media to express their sadness and sympathy to the Nigerian Air Force on the tragic incident. Here are some of the condolences:
Atiku Abubakar
I have just learnt of the crash of a military aircraft near Abuja. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those onboard the ill-fated flight.
Senator Shehu Sani
For those who perished in the Abuja Plane crash,May their souls Rest In Peace.May the Almighty give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. Ameen.
Aisha Yesufu
Oh No! There were casualties?! Innalillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun. May their souls rest in peace. May God give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. This is tragic
Samuel Mbah
RIP to every soul lost in the Abuja Airport crash
Ben Murray-Bruce
My condolences to the Nigerian military, families and loved ones of all Nigerian Airforce personnel on King Air 350. May their be souls rest in peace. Sad day.
Mohammed Jammal
A military aircraft has crashed at the Abuja Airport enroute Minna. May the souls of the demised Rest In Peace.