The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a thorough investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at the Benin Airport, while expressing gratitude that all passengers and crew members escaped unharmed.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday, Obi said he received news of the incident with relief, noting that all 68 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft disembarked safely without injuries or fatalities.
“I join all Nigerians in thanking God Almighty that all 68 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries or fatalities recorded. The preservation of human life must always remain our highest priority,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor commended the pilot, cabin crew and airport emergency response teams for their prompt and professional handling of the incident, saying their actions helped prevent a more serious outcome.
“I commend the pilot, the flight crew, and the airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift, professional, and coordinated handling of the situation, which helped avert what could have been a far more serious incident,” Obi stated.
He described the incident as a reminder of the need for strict adherence to aviation safety standards, regular aircraft maintenance and sustained investment in airport infrastructure across the country.
Obi also urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion and make their findings public.
“Every aviation occurrence presents an opportunity to strengthen our safety systems. Learning from this incident will further reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and help ensure that our skies remain among the safest possible,” he added.
The incident involved an Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft that veered off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport in Edo State. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has since commenced an investigation into the occurrence.
