International Airport, Sokoto, as a Max Airline aircraft was
forced to make an emergency landing about 2:40am.
The aircraft was conveying 464 pilgrims, including Hajj
officials from Sokoto and Zamfara states. The incidence is the
second after a Kabo Airline aircraft escaped a similar crash at
the beginning of this year's Hajj exercise.
The aircraft hovered for about 20 minutes, after three
attempts, before landing.
On board were Zamfara Deputy Governor and the state
Amirul Hajj, Ibrahim Wakkala as well as other state officials.
Also on board were the Sokoto State Amirul Hajj, Jubril
Gada and the Chairman of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency,
Muntari Maigona.
The aircraft was said to be carrying the last batch of pilgrims
from the zone, comprising those from Sokoto and Zamfara
states.
A passenger, Faruku Umar, said:
The aircraft was supposed to have landed at 2.40am but it
could not do so until around 3am. It was only able to land
after making two futile attempts and it landed during the third
attempt, but with difficulty.
We all knew that there was a problem and it was a harrowing
experience. We were, however, prayerful.
The airport's Acting Manager, Madu Bukar, said:
We mobilised all the fire engines and other facilities and
personnel required during an emergency landing. Luckily, the
aircraft landed without any hitch and there was no damage to
any airport facility.
All the passengers were thereafter safely evacuated and as I
am speaking to you now, the aircraft is parked at the airport.
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