The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that one of its helicopters made a precautionary landing in a Benue farmland on Wednesday, October 7. According to the Air Force, the helicopter had provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State. The operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of ground forces.
The incident occurred close to the Enugu–Benue boundary, and the helicopter landed approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield. The pilot exercised professional discretion to execute the precautionary landing after completing the combat mission. The Air Force stated that the decision was consistent with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
Contrary to initial reports, the helicopter was not stranded at the location, and it subsequently returned to base. The Air Force confirmed that the landing was not an emergency landing due to a technical fault, as claimed by a resident, Stephen Ikpam. Ikpam had reported that the helicopter made an emergency landing in the Utur Tse-Igboji community, Bar Council Ward, Makurdi, due to a technical fault.
Ikpam, who claimed to be reporting from the scene, said residents rushed to the scene and assisted the officers on board. He stated that all lives on board were saved, and the officers emerged safely from the aircraft. The incident could have resulted in a tragedy if not for the safe landing.
The Benue incident comes days after another Nigerian Air Force aircraft was involved in a fatal crash in Ondo State. The crash, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the death of military personnel and prompted a three-day national mourning period declared by President Bola Tinubu. The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State while travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.
The aircraft had 25 passengers and seven crew members on board. President Tinubu directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident. The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the personnel who died in the crash.
The Nigerian Air Force has assured that the incident in Benue State will be investigated, and necessary measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Air Force has also expressed gratitude to the residents who assisted the officers on board and ensured their safety. The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by military personnel in their operations against suspected kidnappers and bandits.
Key points
- The Nigerian Air Force helicopter made a precautionary landing in a Benue farmland after completing an operation against suspected kidnappers.
- The incident occurred days after another Nigerian Air Force aircraft was involved in a fatal crash in Ondo State, resulting in the death of military personnel.
- President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the cause of the Ondo State aircraft crash and a three-day national mourning period has been declared.
