Tragedy was reportedly averted after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) helicopter made an emergency landing on a farmland in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, following a suspected technical fault.

The incident occurred in the Utur Tse-Igboji area, along the Welfare Quarters-Mopol 13 Ring Road corridor in Bar Council Ward of Makurdi.

According to 247UReports, eyewitnesses said the helicopter crew successfully manoeuvred the aircraft to an open field after detecting a mechanical problem during the flight.

All personnel on board reportedly escaped unhurt.

A resident, Stephen Ikpam, who witnessed the incident, said the helicopter landed on a farmland, attracting the attention of residents in surrounding communities.

Ikpam expressed relief that the crew members survived the incident.

Following the emergency landing, residents reportedly gathered at the scene to offer assistance to the military personnel.

Military security personnel later arrived at the scene to secure the area and assess the situation.

The incident occurred days after a fatal Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Ondo State claimed the lives of all 25 people on board.

The aircraft, identified by the NAF as an ATR-42 with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin City, Edo State, to Lagos when it crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on October 5.

The crash killed all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.