The Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has released the names of seven of its personnel who died in B350i aircraft that crashed near the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal, Ibikunle Daramola disclosed this in a statement on Sunday night.

He gave the names of the personnel who lost their lives in the Aircraft tragedy as Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot) and Flying Officer Micheal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System (ATOS) Specialist).

Others are Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS Specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS Specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS Specialist) and Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).

According to Ibikunle, “The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), earlier today, 21 February 2021, confirmed that one of its aircraft, a Beechcraft KingAir B350i (NAF 201), crashed while returning to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with the concerted efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State”.

The statement explained that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has instituted an investigative panel to determine the remote and immediate causes of the accident, amidst report of engine failure.

It also said the panel has commenced its work, the NAF, having notified the Next of Kins/family members of the deceased.