Passengers aboard Air Peace flight P47123 reportedly faced a terrifying ordeal on Tuesday, June 4, when their aircraft lost control mid-air.
The flight originated from Abuja and was going to terminate in Lagos.
Among those aboard the aircraft was former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
He reportedly kept calm while there was ballyhoo in the cabin.
The plane, which took off from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 12:59 pm—24 minutes behind its 12:35 pm schedule—was expected to land at the Murtala at 1:55 pm.
However, it didn’t touch down until 2:25 pm after several failed landing attempts that left passengers fearing the worst.
According to aviation insiders, the pilot struggled to stabilise the aircraft, which hovered for nearly 30 minutes.
Witnesses onboard described the chaos that ensued as traumatising.
“People were screaming, praying, and calling out to God. The aircraft kept circling as though it had lost direction,” a visibly shaken female passenger told reporters, refusing disclosed her name.
Another witness said, “At some point, it looked like we were going to crash into rooftops. It was pure terror.”
Peter Obi, who was seated in economy class during the flight, was reportedly seen comforting those around him.
One passenger said, “He stayed composed and kept telling everyone to remain calm. His voice alone gave many of us hope when it felt like all was lost.”
Businessman Dr. Benson Onuwaje, seated in first class, stood up mid-flight and led passengers in fervent prayer.
“He invoked the name of God and assured us we would land safely,” said Mathew Adekunle, another traveller on the flight. “That prayer gave everyone a sliver of strength.”
The harrowing incident comes on the heels of Obi’s donation of ₦20 million to flood victims in Niger State and visits to several northern communities as part of his ongoing humanitarian and political engagements.
Sources reportedly said he had returned to Abuja for a strategic political meeting and was Lagos-bound for another when the flight ordeal occurred.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
