Pilot Dies As Two Nigerian Air Force jets crash in Abuja

Olaleye Aluko, Abuja

The Nigeria Air Force has confirmed the death of one of its pilots involved in the F-7Ni aircraft crash in Abuja.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Two aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force have suffered a mishap in the Katampe area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Friday.

Our correspondent learnt that the aircraft were taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day celebrations when they reportedly collided and a crash was said to have occurred.

The number of people injured in the incident could not be ascertained as of the time of this report, as efforts were still ongoing by the military to attend to the situation.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who confirmed the incident.

Independence Day: FG declares Oct. 1 public holiday

The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 1, as a public holiday to commemorate Nigeria’s 58th Independence Day.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, on Thursday in Abuja.
The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Mohammed Umar.


Dambazau, who congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary, urged them to sustain President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s efforts at maintaining and strengthening the unity and peace of the country.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to promoting national unity, economic growth, social and political development based on democratic principles.

The minister added that in the past 58 years, Nigeria had made a lot of progress and positive impact not only on the lives of its citizens but also in terms of infrastructure development as well as international relations.

(NAN) Punch