The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed the death of seven of its officers onboard a Beechcraft KingAir B35Oi (NAF 201) aircraft which crashed in Abuja on Sunday.
The aircraft crashed after reporting an engine failure on its way from Niger state to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The aircraft was on a mission to Niger state to carry out surveillance on the state and it’s environs in a bid to facilitate the release of abducted students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State.
Amidst an investigation ordered by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao on the cause of the accident, the NAF notified the families of the deceased officers before publishing their names.
Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain)
Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot)
Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist).
Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist)
Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist)
Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist)
Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
The CAS on behalf of the entire Air Force shared his condolences with the grieving families and prayed for their welfare while visiting the site of the accident alongside the Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Mayashi (rtd), Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor and other Service Chiefs.
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