A private jet, carrying approximately 10 individuals, including Very Important Personalities (VIPs), veered off the runway at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
According to a reliable source, the incident occurred around 11 am on Friday, involving a jet registered as N580KR, which missed the runway and skidded into the adjacent bush. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries reported.
Emergency responders from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly mobilized to the scene, along with firefighters, to ensure the safety of those onboard and manage the situation.
Carol Adekotujo, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the incident, emphasizing that the private plane, originating from Abuja, landed safely but overshot the designated runway.
“It was a private plane from Abuja. It landed safely but overshot the runway. There was no casualty,” a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Carol Adekotujo, told our correspondent over the phone.
When contacted, a spokesman for the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) Tunji Oketunmbi, confirmed the incident but said a team had been dispatched to the site to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, highlighting ongoing concerns over aviation safety despite recent changes in leadership within aviation agencies.
Notably, in November, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, narrowly escaped a crash landing at the same airport.
Meanwhile, Pelumi Olajengbesi, an Abuja-based lawyer in response to the recurring incidents emphasized the urgent need for repairs to the Ibadan Airport’s runway to safeguard air travelers’ lives.
Urging immediate action, Olajengbesi underscored the critical importance of prioritizing safety and enhancing air travel infrastructure standards to prevent potential catastrophes.
“The paramount concern for the safety of air travel now brings to light the precarious condition of Ibadan Airport’s runway,” he wrote on Facebook while reacting to Friday’s incident.
“Urgent action is not just necessary; it is an immediate imperative to avert future catastrophes. Beyond a mere plea for the convenience of airport users, it is a heartfelt demand to protect lives.
“We cannot afford to gamble with the potential repercussions of a delayed response. I earnestly implore the relevant authorities to swiftly close Ibadan Airport temporarily and embark on the essential repairs needed for the runway. Let us prioritize the safety of our citizens and elevate our air travel infrastructure to the highest standards.”
Ada Peter
