Seven Nigerian Air Force officers killed in plane crash buried
Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) – The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday buried the remains of seven young officers who died on 21 February when their plane crashed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
They were buried at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja with full military honours.
They are: Flight Lieutenant Haruna Gadzama (Captain), Flight Lieutenant Henry Piyo (Co-Pilot), Flying Officer Michaal Okpara (Airborne Tactical Observation System - ATOS - specialist), Warrant Officer Bassey Etim (ATOS specialist), Flight Sergeant Olasunkanmi Olawunmi (ATOS specialist), Sergeant Ugochukwu Oluka (ATOS specialist), Aircraftman Adewale Johnson (Onboard Technician).
The Beechcraft KingAir B350i crashed while returning to Abuja after reporting engine failure enroute Minna, where it was scheduled to conduct surveillance missions over Niger State and its environs in connection with efforts to secure the release of the students/staff abducted from the Government Science College Kagara, Niger State.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao, who wept uncontrollably, described the deceased as some of the finest officers in the service and prayed to God to console their immediate families.
An investigation has been ordered into the accident.
-0- PANA MON/MA 26Feb2021
