Passengers on board a privately-owned aircraft escaped death by whiskers on Friday evening, November 3, 2023, as their aircraft skidded off the runway into the bush at the Ibadan Airport, Alakia area of the Oyo State capital.

There was neither reported loss of lives nor property as men of the State Fire Services, Federal Fire Services, and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Fire Services, in a combined operation, arrested the situation.

The flight, which had departed from Abuja at 6:41 p.m., was carrying several high-ranking government officials.

Among them was the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and some of his aides aboard the aircraft.

The crash-landing occurred at approximately 7:21 p.m., with 10 individuals on board. It was gathered that the pilot had been cleared for an RNAV approach to Runway 22 of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan. But the plane skidded off the runway.

Quick and efficient action allowed all passengers and crew members to be safely evacuated.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of the State Fire Service, Yemi Adeyimika said: “Yes, it is true, our men are on their way but I don’t have details now.”

He said that his men arrived the scene of the incident on time but met other fire services from other agencies on ground.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an inquest.

In a statement, the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NSIB, James Odaudu, confirmed the accident.

He said: “Please, be informed that the NSIB has commenced an investigation into the cause.” (Based on reports by Saturday Tribune and Saturday Vanguard)

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