Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, on Friday called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft at Benin Airport, saying lessons from the incident must be used to strengthen aviation safety across Nigeria.
In a statement issued following the incident, Obi expressed relief that all 68 passengers and crew members on board the aircraft escaped unhurt after the plane veered off the runway during landing.
He said the safe evacuation of everyone on board was a source of gratitude and underscored the need to always prioritise the protection of human lives.
Obi also praised the pilot, flight crew and emergency response personnel at the airport for their swift and professional handling of the situation, noting that their prompt actions helped prevent what could have become a major disaster.
The former Anambra State governor, however, said the incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety standards, regular maintenance of aircraft and continuous upgrades of airport infrastructure.
He urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau to carry out a comprehensive, transparent and timely investigation to determine the cause of the runway excursion.
According to him, identifying the factors responsible for the incident and implementing necessary corrective measures would help reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry and ensure safer air travel.
Obi also prayed for God’s continued protection over air travellers across the country.
