Nigerian Air Force Explains Helicopter Landing on Benue Farmland

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has clarified that a military helicopter landed on a farmland in Benue State after completing an operation against suspected kidnappers.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, in the Ogbadigbo area of the state, near the Enugu–Benue boundary, according to the Air Force.

In a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the service explained that the helicopter had provided close air support to ground troops during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers.

According to the statement, the pilot opted to make a precautionary landing while returning to base after completing the mission.

“Following the successful completion of the mission, the pilot, on return to base, exercised his professional discretion to execute a precautionary landing approximately 10 nautical miles from the airfield,” the statement said.

The Air Force noted that the decision was in line with established operational and aviation safety procedures following combat missions.

It also dismissed concerns that the helicopter had become stranded, confirming that the aircraft had safely returned to base.

“The helicopter has returned to base,” the statement added.

Resident Reports Emergency Landing

Before the Air Force issued its clarification, a resident, Stephen Ikpam, reported that the helicopter had landed in the Utur Tse-Igboji community in Bar Council Ward, Makurdi, along the Welfare Quarters–Mopol 13 Ring Road.

Ikpam, who said he was at the scene, attributed the landing to a technical fault and claimed that residents rushed to assist the personnel aboard the aircraft.

He expressed relief that everyone on board survived the incident.

“By the grace of God, all lives on board were saved when a Nigerian Air Force helicopter made an emergency landing on our farmland due to a technical fault,” he said.

Ikpam added that community members moved quickly to the scene to help the officers, who reportedly emerged from the helicopter safely.

“We all rushed to the scene to support the officers on board, and to the glory of God, they all came out alive,” he said.

While the resident attributed the landing to a technical fault, the Air Force described it as a precautionary landing following the completion of an operational mission.

Incident Follows Fatal Air Force Aircraft Crash

The Benue incident comes days after a separate Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State reportedly claimed the lives of military personnel, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare three days of national mourning.

The NAF ATR-42 aircraft crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday while reportedly travelling from Benin to Lagos on a routine mission.

Reports indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were aboard the aircraft.

Following the crash, Tinubu ordered the Air Force to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said.

He also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country in honour of the personnel who died in the crash.