Nigeria: Military aircraft crashes, 7 killed

ABUJA, Nigeria

A Nigerian air force aircraft crashed near the Abuja Airport due to engine failure on Sunday, killing all seven people on board, an air force official said.

“This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna,” air force spokesman Ibikunle Daramola said on Twitter.

“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash,” he added.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, Daramola said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika confirmed the accident. “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.”

“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any,” Sirika said.

*Writing by Handan Kazanci