► NIGERIA: Cessna Caravan piloted by Taraba state governor, crashes; 6 in critical condition.

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (MCN: 208B2098 | 5N-BMJ) operated by the Taraba State Government and piloted by the Governor of Taraba State in Nigeria, Dambaba Sunta, has crashed with 6 persons aboard. All are said to have survived, but are in a critical condition.

Flight route followed: Jalingo - Yola

The flight was on finals for the city of Yola, Adamawa State having departed Jalingo, in Taraba State when contact with the tower was lost.

Initial reports had claimed the Governor had died, but these were later rescinded as being incorrect.

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Aviation has issued a statement:

Incident Involving Aircraft, Cessna 208, 5N-BMJ in Yola, Adamawa State

An aircraft, Cessna 208 with 6 souls on board including crew, operated by the Taraba State Government departed Jalingo, Taraba State for Yola this evening and reported contact with the Yola Control Tower (1720Z) and field in sight at 38 miles estimating landing at 1730Z. The pilot subsequently lost contact with Yola Control Tower and subsequent effort to raise the aircraft failed.

Photos courtesy (Premium Times, Nigeria)

Search & Rescue was immediately activated and site of incident located with all victims alive with various degrees of injuries. The victims have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment pending further investigation of the incident.

“This is the correct version of the incident; every other one that is contrary to this is incorrect.”

SIGNED: Joe Obi,SA (Media) to Aviation Minister.