NAF releases names of personnel involved in military crash
- NAF plane crash unfortunate disaster – Defence Minister
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released names of the seven personnel that died in the air crash involving a NAF aircraft, Beechcraft KingAir BB305i even as the Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has described the crash as an unfortunate national disaster.
A statement by the Director Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the deceased officers include: Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain); Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot); Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist) and Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist).
Others were: Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist); Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
The statement reads: “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 earlier stated, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), 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”.
It added: “Earlier, the CAS visited the scene of the accident, in company 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 other Service Chiefs. The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, once more commiserates with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose”.
Reacting, Magashi in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri, on Monday in Abuja said he was pained by the tragic accident.
The Defence Minister described the death of the occupants of the aircraft as an unfortunate tragedy.
“The death of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty while making efforts to end the nation’s insecurity would never be forgotten.
“I send my condolences to the President, Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Air Force and to the families of those who paid the supreme price while serving the nation.
“I pray for the repose of their souls and that God grants them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.