AIR CRASH AVERTED: 464 Pilgrims Escape Death At Sokoto Airport; Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing Yesterday Morning.
An accident was averted on [Nov. 10] at the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, as a Max Airline aircraft was forced to make a
The aircraft was conveying 464 pilgrims, including Hajj officials from Sokoto and Zamfara states. The incidence is the second after having a Kabo Airline aircraft escaped an identical crash in the beginning of this year's Hajj exercise.
The aircraft hovered for about 20 minutes, after three attempts, before landing. On board were Zamfara Deputy Governor and the state Amirul Hajj, Ibrahim Wakkala along with other state officials. Also up to speed were the Sokoto State Amirul Hajj, Jubril Gada and the Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Muntari Maigona.
The aircraft was reported to be carrying the past batch of pilgrims from the zone, comprising those from Sokoto and Zamfara states.
A traveler, Faruku Umar, said:
The aircraft was supposed to have landed at 2.40am but it could not do this until around 3am. It was only in a position to land after making two futile attempts and it landed during the 3rd attempt, but with difficulty.
Most of us knew that there is a problem and it was a harrowing experience. We were, however, prayerful.
The airport's Acting Manager, Madu Bukar, said:
We mobilised all of the fire engines and other facilities and personnel required during a emergency landing. Luckily, the aircraft landed without any hitch and there is no damage to any airport facility.
All of the passengers were thereafter safely evacuated and as I'm talking to you at this point , the aircraft is parked at the airport.
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