Tension In Makurdi As NAF Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing On Farmland

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter has made an emergency landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after reportedly developing a technical fault during a flight.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident occurred in the Utur Tse-Igboji area, along the Welfare Quarters-Mopol 13 Ring Road corridor in the Bar Council Ward of Makurdi.

Eyewitnesses said the helicopter crew noticed the mechanical problem and successfully guided the aircraft to an open field, preventing what could have resulted in a more serious incident.

Reports indicated that all personnel aboard the helicopter escaped safely without sustaining injuries.

A resident, Stephen Ikpam, who witnessed the incident, said the aircraft landed on a farmland, attracting the attention of residents in nearby communities.

Ikpam expressed relief that the crew members survived the emergency and said residents gathered around the area to offer assistance following the landing.

Military security personnel were subsequently deployed to the scene to secure the area and assess the situation.

The emergency landing occurred just days after a fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State that claimed the lives of all 25 people aboard.

The aircraft involved in the Ondo incident was identified by the Nigerian Air Force as an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931. It was reportedly on a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area on October 5.

The Ondo crash involved five crew members and 20 passengers, with all 25 people on board reportedly killed in the tragedy.

The latest incident in Benue has therefore attracted attention, particularly coming shortly after the deadly Ondo crash, although the circumstances surrounding the technical fault and the condition of the helicopter are yet to be fully established.