Residents flee Niger community over NAF helicopter crash

The residents of Chukuba community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State have fled to neighbouring areas of Erena, Zumba, and Gwada in Shiroro, following a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter crash in the area.

The Star had reported that the NAF helicopter crashed in Chukuba, Niger State, on Monday, August 14, 2023.

Confirming the incident, the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the aircraft departed Zungeru Primary School en route to Kaduna but later crashed in a village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.

The air force said the aircraft was on a casualty evacuation mission when the crash occurred.

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However, the Chairman of Shiroro Local Government, Akilu Ishaku, while speaking on the incident in Minna, the Niger State capital, on Monday, said the crash made residents of the area flee for safety as a result of fear and were taking shelter in Erana, Zumba, and Gwada.

Ishaku added that he received the information about the crash from the security operatives in the area, Village Head of Galkogo, and other stakeholders in the area where the incident occurred.

He said: “As the Chief Security Officer of Shiroro Local Government, I have received reports of an aircraft crash, but the report did not state exactly who the aircraft belongs to.

“The name of the village where the crash happened is Badna village under Kwaki Chukuba ward.

“The people claimed they saw flame from a distance and saw that it was a helicopter that was on fire.”

The Star