The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has initiated a probe into the crash of one of its helicopters travelling to Kaduna from Zungeru in Niger State.
The NAF said the probe will unravel the probable cause of the incident. NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said;
“A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, 14 August 2023 at about 1.00 pm near Chukuba village in Niger state.
“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter, while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash.”
The Nation reported that villagers alleged the aircraft was shot down by bandits soon after take-off. It is also alleged that terrorists killed a pilot and injured another after shooting down the helicopter.
The publication also reported that the terrorists allegedly ambushed and killed 13 people along the Zungeru-Tegina Road, Madaka Ward in the Rafi Local Government Area.
When asked to comment on the villager’s claim, Gabkwet said;
“We are not good at hiding information and we don’t believe in that. If there is anything we feel Nigerians should know, we will let them know. But, as we said in our statement, we are still investigating.”