Peter Obi calls for probe into Enugu Air runway excursion

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called for a thorough investigation into Thursday’s runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at the Benin Airport, while expressing gratitude that all passengers and crew escaped unhurt.

Business Hallmark had reported that all 68 passengers and crew members aboard the Enugu Air flight escaped without injuries after the aircraft veered off the runway while landing at the Benin Airport, Edo State.

The incident caused panic among passengers but ended without casualties as everyone on board was safely evacuated.

Reacting in a statement posted on his X account on Friday, Obi said he received news of the incident with “profound relief,” describing the safe evacuation of everyone on board as a blessing.

“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 responders for their professionalism and swift response, saying their actions prevented what could have been a far more serious accident.

“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. Their composure and decisiveness under pressure deserve the highest commendation,” Obi stated.

While celebrating the absence of casualties, Obi stressed that the incident underscored the need for strict adherence to aviation safety standards, regular aircraft maintenance and sustained investment in airport infrastructure.

“The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of unwavering adherence to aviation safety protocols, rigorous aircraft maintenance, and sustained investment in airport infrastructure and operational standards across the country,” he said.

He 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.

“I urge the relevant regulatory and investigative authorities, particularly the NCAA and the NSIB, to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident and to make their findings and recommendations public,” he said.

According to Obi, every aviation occurrence should serve as an opportunity to strengthen safety systems and reinforce public confidence in the country’s aviation industry.

“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.

He concluded by praying for the continued safety of air travellers across the country.

Enugu Air had earlier confirmed that one of its aircraft experienced a runway excursion after landing in Benin on Thursday, assuring the public that all passengers and crew safely disembarked without injuries.

The airline said the aircraft had been secured and relevant aviation authorities notified in line with established procedures, adding that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the incident was underway.

The airline also warned that the occurrence could result in temporary adjustments to some flight schedules, while assuring affected passengers of necessary assistance.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has commenced an investigation into the runway excursion involving the Enugu Air Embraer E170 aircraft to determine the cause of the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.