Just In: Pilots escape as NAF Fighter jet crashes in Makurdi

An FT7-NI fighter jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, crashed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, according to a report by Punch.

Though details about the incident are still sketchy, a military source quoted by the report said two personnel of the Nigerian Air Force onboard ejected unhurt.

The source said: “An FT7-NI aircraft crashed today in Makurdi. The cause of the crash could not be immediately ascertained. It had two Airmen onboard. They ejected unhurt from the jet.”

READ ALSO: NAFDAC raises alarm over ‘contaminated’ soft drink

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

He said two pilots onboard the aircraft survived and were being observed in a military facility.

“Luckily, the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash,” he said.