The Nigeria Air Force has officially confirmed the crash of one of its trainer aircraft in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State. The incident occurred on Friday evening during a routine training exercise.
According to a statement issued by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, the FT-7NI trainer aircraft crashed at approximately 4:15 pm. Fortunately, both pilots on board successfully ejected from the aircraft and survived the crash. There were no reported casualties or damage to property in the vicinity of the impact.
The statement further disclosed that the two pilots are currently receiving medical observation at the NAF Base Hospital in Makurdi. In response to the incident, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has established a Board of Inquiry to investigate and determine the immediate and underlying causes of the crash.
