Mission Of Crashed Air Force Plane Exposed
Information reaching us that, Nigerian Air Force spokesman has said the crashed aircraft in Abuja was on a mission to try to rescue 42 people abducted from a school in Kagara, Niger State when it turned back following engine failure.
Air Vice-Marshal Ibikunle Daramola told the BBC the Beechcraft KingAir B350i was on the way to Minna, the capital of Niger, and that the plane crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, killing all seven personnel on board.
The identities of the victims have been released. They are:
Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain)
Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot)
Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System Specialist)
Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (Specialist)
Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist)
Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist)
Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician)
An investigation – ordered by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao – is underway to know what caused the small passenger plane to crash Sunday.
IBOM FOCUS reports that students and members of staff were abducted from the Government Science College, Kagara after gunmen stormed the school.
Reports say the abductees have been freed.
