The Deputy Governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, alongside over 100 passengers, narrowly escaped a plane crash on Wednesday. The aircraft, a commercial flight en route from Abuja to Maiduguri, reportedly experienced a technical failure midair, causing panic among passengers. Aviation authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
Eyewitness accounts described how the plane shook violently moments before it began to descend unexpectedly. Passengers screamed as the cabin crew worked swiftly to calm the situation. Sources revealed that the pilot managed to regain control of the aircraft after what appeared to be an engine failure. Despite the scare, the plane made an emergency landing at a nearby airport, averting a tragedy.
The Deputy Governor, who was reportedly traveling on official duty, expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives. In a statement released shortly after the incident, Kadafur urged aviation authorities to intensify safety measures to prevent future occurrences. He also commended the pilot and crew for their professionalism during the ordeal.
Officials from the airline confirmed the emergency landing but refrained from providing specific details about the technical issues. They assured passengers and the public that a thorough inspection of the aircraft would be conducted. Preliminary findings indicate that a mechanical fault triggered the emergency but posed no immediate threat to the aircraft’s structural integrity.
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged to investigate the airline’s compliance with maintenance regulations. They emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and urged airlines to prioritize routine checks. The NCAA warned that any lapses discovered would attract severe penalties.
This near-miss incident has reignited concerns over aviation safety in Nigeria, where air travel is increasingly relied upon for domestic and international journeys. Experts have called for improved oversight and regular training for airline personnel to mitigate risks and maintain public confidence in the aviation sector.
