A Nigerian military aircraft has crashed at Abuja international airport on Sunday.
All the seven passengers on board reportedly died, according to aviation officials.
The Nigeria Airforce has confirmed the death of seven of its personnel in Sunday air accident involving a NAF Beechcraft KingAir B350i.
Spokesman of NAF, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, said the Chief of Air Staff, AVM IO Amao, has ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident which occurred when the aircraft which was enroute Niger State suffered engine failure and was on it’s way back to Abuja.
The statement 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), 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.”
Some of the Air Force personnel who perished inside the Shadow 01 are: Flt Lt Gazama, Flt Lt Piyo, Flt Offr Okpara, FS Olawumi, and ACM Johnson.
Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika earlier confirmed the crash in his official Twitter handle.
Sirika said, ‘“A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.🇳🇬“
