FIC Report (Edo State) – The Federal Fire Service, Edo State Command, on Thursday, responded promptly to an emergency following an aircraft runway excursion involving an Enugu Air flight at Benin Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 63 passengers and five crew members, veered off the runway after landing and came to a stop in nearby vegetation.
Following a distress alert, officers of the Federal Fire Service were immediately deployed to the scene, where they joined other emergency response agencies in carrying out rescue and safety operations.
The coordinated response ensured the safe evacuation of all 68 occupants of the aircraft, with no fatalities recorded.
Fire Service personnel secured the incident scene, assisted in the evacuation of passengers and crew, and implemented emergency safety measures to prevent secondary hazards while supporting ongoing rescue efforts.
The Edo State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, DCF Jeremiah Bidemi Ayoola, commended the professionalism, courage and dedication displayed by officers during the operation.
Ayoola reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, effective collaboration with other emergency agencies and continuous preparedness for emergencies.
She also commended all responding emergency agencies and airport authorities for their coordinated efforts, which she said contributed significantly to the successful management of the incident.
The Federal Fire Service urged members of the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information from the appropriate authorities as investigations into the cause of the runway excursion continue.
Signed:
Olumhense Emmanuel
FIC Benin city
July 24th, 2026
