By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A Cessna 172 aircraft bearing registration number 5N-ASR and operated by Skypower Express crash-landed at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The flight had originally departed from Kaduna International Airport, bound for Port Harcourt International Airport, but was forced to divert to Owerri after the crew declared an emergency mid-flight.
The crash happened around 8:00 p.m. within the airport vicinity. Four people, including crew members and passengers, were onboard at the time of the incident.
Confirming the development, the Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, said the agency had received notification of the crash.
As stated by the NSIB, the aircraft came down near the approach path of Runway 17. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
The statement read: “Following the occurrence, airport emergency services were successfully activated and arrived on site promptly. Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remains active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination.”
The Bureau has activated its investigation processes in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.
NSIB Director-General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., extended sympathy to the management of Skypower Express and expressed gratitude that all lives were preserved.
Badeh Jr. further confirmed that investigators are already working with relevant authorities to secure the site and commence a thorough investigation into the cause.