Borno Deputy Governor, Over 100 Others Escape Plane Crash

Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, along with over 100 passengers, narrowly avoided disaster when a Max Air flight experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Maiduguri International Airport.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. on Wednesday as the plane, headed for Abuja, encountered a bird strike roughly 10 minutes into the flight, causing one of its engines to catch fire.

It was gathered that the pilot acted quickly, safely bringing the aircraft back to Maiduguri Airport through an emergency landing.

A Max Air representative, speaking anonymously, confirmed the situation, explaining that the bird strike was responsible for the engine fire.

The staff member said, “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”

Following the emergency landing, many shaken passengers chose to retrieve their belongings and return home instead of continuing their journey.

Meanwhile, Max Air arranged for a replacement aircraft from Kano to fly passengers, including the deputy governor, safely to Abuja.

The flight also carried other government officials, including a commissioner, special advisers, and senior assistants.

The damaged aircraft was grounded at Maiduguri Airport for repairs, while authorities began investigating the incident.

The airport management praised the crew’s professionalism and reassured travelers of their commitment to safety.

KanyiDaily has also reported how vice president, Kashim Shettima cancelled his journey to Samoa after a foreign object struck his plane’s cockpit windscreen during a layover at JFK Airport in New York.