Boko Haram: Air Force fighter jet crashes in Yola

Tragedy struck the Nigerian Military’s war against Boko Haram insurgency on Wednesday night, when a fighter jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force crashed in at Yola International Airport.

The jet was said to have been involved in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.

Two pilots involved in the accident have been taken to an Air force military hospital for medical treatment.

According to reports, the crash occurred as a result of a burst tyre when the jet, which was returning from an operation, tried landing around 8pm at the airport. Reports also have it that the pilots were able to eject from the burning jet, though they sustained injuries.

Read also: ‘N558m diverted monthly from NAF salaries predates Badeh’

Authorities of the Military Adamawa State, refused to comment on the crash, while the spokesman of the 37 Air Force Base Strike Group Squadron Leader K. Ali, who did not deny or confirm the incident, directed journalists to contact Abuja over the report, saying he does not have the authority to speak on such matter.

However, the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the incident, adding that the military had commenced investigation into the crash. He also insisted that the crash had nothing to do with “enemy fire.”

Rabe said: “The Air Force aircraft skidded off the runway and stopped at a ditch. All those on board are unhurt and investigation into the minor incident is on-going.”
According to reports, the latest crash was the second in two weeks.

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now