ABUJA — Relief swept across Nigeria’s aviation sector on Friday after all 68 occupants of an Enugu Air flight escaped unhurt following a runway excursion at Benin Airport, even as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, confirmed that the Embraer E170 aircraft, operating Flight 4264 from Lagos, was involved in the incident on Thursday but recorded no fatalities or injuries.
“The government empathizes with the 63 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft over the traumatic experience and is thankful to God that no life was lost,” Mbah said in a statement he personally signed.
The incident has since drawn the attention of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which has commenced a full-scale probe to determine its cause.
Mbah praised the aviation regulator’s swift response, noting that the Enugu State Government and its airline would fully cooperate with investigators.
“The government commends the swiftness of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau in embarking on the ongoing investigation,” he said.
Despite the scare, the governor maintained that Enugu Air’s operations are rooted in strict safety compliance, stressing that the airline prioritizes safety above commercial considerations.
“The airline is founded on a corporate culture that places safety above profit and schedule,” he added.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support and confidence in the airline, highlighting continued positive feedback from passengers since its launch a year ago.
Industry observers say the incident underscores the importance of robust safety systems and timely regulatory intervention in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
