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No fewer than seven persons have been killed after a military aircraft crashed a few yards off the runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola stated that the Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crashed while returning to Abuja Airport after reporting engine failure enroute Minna.

This is even as President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the victims of the crash, insisting that “the safety of the Nigerian airspace remains a key priority of the government.”

Vice Marshal Daramola who spoke on the incident further stated that first responders were already at the scene, adding that all seven personnel on board died in the crash.

According to the NAF spokesman’s statement published on Twitter, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal Oladayo Amao has ordered an immediate investigation into the accident.

While urging the general public to remain calm and await the outcome of the investigation, the CAS, on behalf of all Nigerian Air Force personnel, commiserated with the families of the deceased.

In a similar vein, Hadi Sirika, the minister of aviation has confirmed the incident.

The minister who earlier on Sunday disclosed some details regarding the crash on Twitter did not however state how many persons were aboard the ill-fated flight.

Mr. Sirika also sued for peace, urging Nigerians to be calm while the nation prays for the souls of the departed.

President Muhammadu Buhari in a statement issued on Sunday by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, President Buhari extended his heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and colleagues of those who died as a result of this tragedy.

According to the statement, President Buhari said he is joining the Nigerian Air Force, the military and other Nigerians in mourning the unfortunate loss of the dedicated and courageous personnel, who died in the line of duty.

He explained that investigations into the cause of the crash were ongoing.