A major tragedy was averted in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter made an emergency landing on a farm following a reported technical problem.
The helicopter, which was returning to base after a combat support mission, landed at Utur Tse-Igboji, along the Welfare Quarters-Mopol 13 Ring Road, between 12 noon and 1pm.
The two pilots on board were safely evacuated with assistance from residents, while no deaths or physical injuries were reported in the community.
However, crops on the farm where the aircraft landed were reportedly badly damaged.
The Nigerian Air Force later confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
According to Ejodame, the helicopter had earlier provided close air support to ground troops during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.
He said the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of ground forces.
Pilot takes precautionary action
The NAF spokesman explained that after successfully completing the mission, the pilot decided to make a precautionary landing about 10 nautical miles from the airfield while returning to base.
He said the decision was taken in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.
“The pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield,” Ejodame said.
He added that the helicopter had subsequently returned to base.
The Air Force said it remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing air support to ground troops and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.
“The successful outcome underscores the NAF’s continued resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities,” Ejodame said.
Technical fault suspected
However, findings by Independent indicated that the helicopter might have developed a technical problem affecting its primary and secondary engine fuel-feed systems before the emergency landing.
Sources reportedly said the problem forced the pilots to turn back towards the Air Force Base.
However, after assessing the situation and determining that landing at the base was unsafe, the pilots allegedly diverted towards a nearby community before bringing the aircraft down on the farm.
Although farmers were reportedly working on the farmland when the helicopter landed, no one was killed or injured.
The crops, however, were said to have suffered extensive damage.
The incident highlights the importance of precautionary decisions and established safety procedures during military aviation operations, particularly following combat missions.
