Why NAF helicopter made emergency landing in Benue community

By Johnson Arua

A Nigerian Air Force, NAF, combat helicopter on Wednesday made an emergency landing in a farm at Utur Tse-Igboji community in Bar Council Ward, Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, triggering panic among residents.

The incident, which occurred Wednesday afternoon, reportedly caused confusion in the community as residents fled their homes, initially fearing that the helicopter had been deployed to attack the area.

An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Tyoapine, said residents became alarmed after seeing the aircraft descend sharply into a farm in the community.

He said: “Initially, we thought they were coming to attack our community because it was strange to see a helicopter land in our community, particularly in a bush.

“And also because of the kind of stories we used to hear about helicopters being used to attack people.

“People initially started running out of fear, but we later realised that it was not an attack. The helicopter had an issue and had to land in the farm to avert a disaster.

“People started moving to the scene to see how they could help out to ensure the safety of the personnel on board. We commend the pilot for his judgment.”

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the helicopter had completed a combat mission before the pilot made the precautionary landing.

Ejodame said the NAF had successfully provided close air support to surface forces during an operation targeting suspected kidnappers in the Ogbadigbo area of Benue State, near the Enugu-Benue boundary.

According to him, the operation disrupted the activities of the suspected criminals and supported the advance of ground forces.

He said: “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.

“This is in accordance with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions. The helicopter has returned to base.”

The NAF spokesman said the precautionary landing was carried out in line with established operational and safety procedures, adding that the helicopter had subsequently returned to base.

Ejodame said the NAF remained committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements, providing close air support to surface forces and protecting communities through coordinated air and ground operations.

He added that the successful operation underscored the resolve of the NAF to deny criminal elements freedom of action and support efforts to restore safety and security to affected communities.