The Nigeria Air Force has confirmed the death of a young Air Force Officer, Squadron Leader Bello Baba-Ari in the collision of two Air Force jets with each other mid air and crashed in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital today, Friday.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who confirmed the news said that the crashed aircraft were trainer and fighter jets.
“Two of the pilots were able to eject while the third pilot was unable to eject and we lost him. He is Sqn Ldr MB Baba-Ari. The two pilots that eject are Sqn Ldr Abatuba and Flt Lt Ambi.”
Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement: “it is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce that one of the pilots who successfully ejected from one of the F-7Ni aircraft that crashed earlier today has passed on. May his soul RIP. Additional details on the incident will be communicated later.”
The crashed jets are taking part in the rehearsals for Nigeria’s 58th Independence Day Celebration billed for Monday next week.
In another statement earlier in the day, the spokesman had said: “I wish to confirm an air incident involving two Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations. Thankfully no lives were lost. Details will be communicated later.”
