AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT: NAF, Others console deceased families
..,…. As Nigerians mourn
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has condoled with the families and friends who died in the crash of a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201).
According to a press release yesterday narrating the incident by NAF spokesperson, AVM Ibikunle Daramola, while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.
They crew had reported engine failure of the aircraft 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.
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 Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, who an has since instituted 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 7 personnel lost their lives in the crash”, NAF stated.
The names of Air Officers and Airmen who lost their lives are.
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).
The CAS, on behalf of officers, airmen and airwomen of the NAF, has also commiserated with the families of the deceased personnel and prays that the Almighty God grants their souls eternal repose.
