Peter Obi reacts to Enugu Air runway mishap at Benin airport

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed relief after an Enugu Air aircraft carrying 68 passengers was involved in a runway excursion while landing at Benin Airport, with everyone on board emerging unhurt.

In a statement issued on Friday, Obi thanked God that all the passengers and crew members safely disembarked without injuries or fatalities following the incident.

He also praised the pilot, cabin crew and emergency response personnel at Benin Airport for their prompt and professional response, noting that their actions helped prevent what could have become a major aviation disaster.

Obi said the incident underscored the importance of maintaining strict aviation safety standards, carrying out regular aircraft maintenance and improving airport infrastructure across the country.

He further called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and timely investigation to determine the cause of the runway excursion.

According to him, identifying the factors responsible for the incident would help strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and improve flight safety nationwide.

The former Anambra State governor also prayed for the continued safety and protection of air travellers across the country.

He wrote, “I received, with profound relief, the news of the runway excursion involving an Enugu Air aircraft during its landing at Benin Airport today.

“First, I join all Nigerians in expressing heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty that all 68 passengers and crew members on board disembarked safely, with no injuries or casualties recorded. The safety of human lives must always remain our highest priority.

“I commend the pilot, the flight crew, and the airport emergency response teams at Benin Airport for their swift and professional handling of the situation, which averted what could have been a major tragedy. Their calmness and decisiveness under pressure are deeply commendable.

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“While we celebrate this safe outcome, the incident serves as a sober reminder of the critical need for strict adherence to aviation safety protocols, rigorous routine maintenance, and continuous infrastructure upgrades across our airports nationwide.

“I urge the relevant regulatory and investigative bodies—particularly the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)—to conduct a thorough, transparent, and timely investigation into the root cause of this incident.

“Learning from occurrences such as this is essential to strengthening public confidence in our aviation sector and ensuring that our skies remain consistently safe.

“May God continue to guide and protect all travellers across our nation. – PO”

The incident occurred on Thursday when an Enugu Air aircraft, with registration number 5N-ENR, experienced a runway excursion while operating an Enugu–Benin–Lagos commercial flight.

It was gathered that the aircraft, carrying 68 passengers in addition to its crew, overshot the runway and came to a stop in nearby vegetation.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded immediately, evacuating all passengers safely. No injuries or fatalities were recorded.