The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), earlier today, 21 February 2021, confirmed that one of its aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it 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.
As in advance stated, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to determine the remote and immediately causes of the twist of fate. While the panel has started out its paintings, the NAF, having notified the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased, regretfully broadcasts that the subsequent 7 personnel misplaced their lives inside the crash:
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).
Earlier, the CAS visited the scene of the coincidence, in organisation 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 different Service Chiefs. The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, yet again commiserates with the households of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God presents their souls everlasting repose.
IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Vice Marshal
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
21 February 2021
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