Tragedy was narrowly averted in Makurdi, Benue State, on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter reportedly made an emergency landing on farmland following a technical fault.

The incident occurred in the Utur Tse-Igoji area of Bar Council Ward,calling the Welfare Quarters Mopol 13 Ring Road axis of Makurdi.

According to eyewitness, residents rushed to the scene after noticing the helicopter had landed on the farmland. The eyewitnesses said all the officers aboard the aircraft survived and were able to exit safely

Reports indicate that the aircraft landed safely after the crew reportedly directed a mechanical problem during the flight. However, the identity of the helicopter, number of people on board and exact nature of the technical fault had not been officially confirmed by the Nigerian Air Force at the of reporting.

The incident comes just two days after a tragic NAF aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State in which all 25 people aboard on ATR-42 aircraft were killed.

The Makurdi incident has therefore renewed public attention on NAF safety, although the successful emergency landing meant that no fatalities were reported.