Bodies of seven air force personnel who died in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft, which crashed while approaching the runway of the Abuja Airport on Sunday have been recovered.
The bodies were recovered after firefighters quenched the fire, which erupted after the plane crash-landed.
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Ibikunle Daramola had in an earlier statement said all the crew and passengers in the aircraft died.
The brief statement read thus: “This is to confirm that a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to the Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure en-route Minna.
“First responders are at the scene. Sadly, all 7 personnel on board died in the crash. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all NAF personnel, commiserates with the families of the deceased.”
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika had earlier tweeted that: “A military aircraft King Air 350 has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en route Minna. It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of the investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”