The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is mourning the death of seven personnel killed in a fatal air crash on Sunday and has released the names of the surveillance aircraft’s crew.
The Air Force said the Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201) crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, Niger State.
The aircraft 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.
According to a statement by Air Force spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident.
“While the panel has commenced its work, the NAF, having notified the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased, regretfully announces that the following seven personnel lost their lives in the crash,” he said.
The victims included Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System Specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist), and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
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