464 pilgrims escape death at Sokoto airport

A crash was averted yesterday at the Sultan
Abubakar 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.”