By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Seven people have been confirmed dead in the military jet that crashed in Abuja on Sunday.
TheNiche had earlier reported that a military jet from Abuja enroute Minna, Niger State, crashed in Abuja on Sunday morning.
The Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, who announced the crash on Twitter, attributed cause to engine failure.
The jet crashed close to the runway of the Abuja airport.
Though the minister said the crash may have been fatal, he didn’t mention the number of casualties.
But the Nigerian Air Force has come out to say seven passengers onboard the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft died when it crashed in Abuja.
In a statement, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal IO Amao, has ordered an immediate probe of the accident.
Daramola said, “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force 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, 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 investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”
