- Advertisement -
Passengers Recount Horror as AirPeace Flight Hovered for 30 Minutes Before Safe Landing
There was palpable tension at the local wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday, as over 100 passengers—among them the former Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi—narrowly escaped what could have been a tragic air disaster.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the incident occurred aboard an AirPeace flight, number P47123, which departed Abuja for Lagos at 12:59pm, slightly behind its scheduled departure time of 12:35pm.
The aircraft, which was supposed to land at 1:55pm, hovered in the air for nearly 30 agonizing minutes due to suspected technical difficulties, eventually touching down at 2:25pm. Passengers onboard described the experience as harrowing, with multiple failed landing attempts that left many fearing the worst.
“It was a nasty experience. The plane tried landing several times but retreated. It looked like it would crash into houses. Everyone was screaming, praying, and panicking,” said one visibly shaken passenger who spoke to reporters under anonymity.
Pay Attention To: Viral Video: Moment Seyi Tinubu Blocked While Trying to Approach Pope Leo XIV at Vatican Ceremony
Peter Obi Praised for Calm Amid Chaos
Despite the panic, passengers commended Mr. Peter Obi for maintaining composure and offering reassurance during the ordeal. According to multiple eyewitnesses, Obi, who was seated in the economy section of the aircraft, remained calm and urged those around him to stay hopeful.
“Peter Obi was calm. He kept encouraging passengers to remain strong and have faith that we would land safely. His demeanor brought some peace amid the chaos,” said another passenger, a mother of two, who feared she might never see her children again.
TJ News Nigeria learned that the pilot struggled to maintain control of the aircraft for approximately half an hour as the plane hovered over densely populated areas, unable to descend safely.
Prayers Onboard as Passengers Prepare for the Worst
Also onboard was Dr. Benson Onuwaje, a businessman and cleric, who reportedly stood up to lead passengers in prayers during the tense moments in the air.
“Dr. Onuwaje was truly brave. He stood up and started praying aloud for the entire plane. He reassured us, saying God would not allow a crash. Many of us drew strength from his prayers,” said another passenger, Mr. Mathew Adekunle.
Security, Aviation Concerns Raised
The incident has again raised questions about aviation safety standards in Nigeria. One of the passengers expressed fears that the country’s fragile infrastructure could be a potential trigger for national unrest in the event of a large-scale disaster.
“This is a clear warning. If anything had happened to Peter Obi or any other passenger, the country might have been plunged into serious crisis. Our leaders must wake up,” the passenger warned.
TJ News Nigeria reports that Peter Obi had been in Northern Nigeria days prior, where he visited communities affected by flooding in Niger State and donated N20 million in aid. He had returned to Abuja for political engagements before boarding the ill-fated Lagos-bound flight.
Gratitude for Divine Intervention
The mood was sober yet thankful as passengers disembarked safely in Lagos. Many attributed their survival to divine intervention.
“We thank God. This could have been a national tragedy. Everyone, including Peter Obi, survived by God’s grace,” a passenger said.
No Official Statement Yet from AirPeace
As of the time of filing this report, AirPeace has yet to release an official statement concerning the incident. Efforts to contact aviation authorities for comments have not been successful.
- Advertisement -
