Police DIG, 3 others in fatal helicopter crash

The late DIG Operations, John Haruna

A surveillance helicopter belonging to the Nigerian Police has crashed in Jos today killing all four men on board including the newly promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Haruna John.

The police helicopter crashed and burst into flames midday Wednesday in a residential area, around Rukuba Road behind Jos Satellite Market as it embarked on its regular surveillance.

The cause of the crash is yet to be ascertained.

The Plateau state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dipo Ayeni who visited the scene of the helicopter crash confirmed that the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) was on board the helicopter when it crashed into a house at Kabong on the outskirts of Jos.

He also confirmed that the DIG’s orderly, the pilot and an engineer were also among the fatalities.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) also confirmed the unfortunate incident.

Eye witnesses report that they observed helicopter rolling in a cyclic motion before it crashed into residential buildings and burst into flames.

Five children, residing in the four houses that suffered from the impact of the crash, have also been confirmed dead; while a woman has been extricated from the rubble and taken to a hospital. Rescue officials have gathered at the scene; and it is expected that the casualty figures may rise.

The Plateau State Government cancelled its weekly State Executive Council meeting after receiving news of the helicopter crash.

Haruna John, 55, before his promotion as DIG, was formerly the Commissioner of Police in Benue State. He was also in charge of Federal Capital Territory before his transfer to Benue State.

15 COMMENTS

  1. Nigerians, please turn to Christ. Let us be prepared, Because no one knows his or her time. When Christ said am coming soon; That soon is already taking place for some people. I hope they all died in Christ. So that they occupy their place with God in heaven. The helicopter crashed two minutes after it passed my house.