By Victor Akaa
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has issued a swift response to erroneous reports circulating on social media and select traditional outlets, clarifying that no helicopter crash occurred in Kaduna on July 1, 2024.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information NAF, in a statement issued on Monday said instead, a NAF Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) experienced a mishap shortly after takeoff for a mission near Rumji Village, approximately 15 kilometers from the base.
Fortunately, as the vehicle was unmanned, there were no casualties on board or on the ground.
According to him, preliminary investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident. The NAF assures Nigerians that this minor setback will not impede ongoing operations.
The NAF also cautions against hasty reporting without verifying facts, emphasizing the importance of balanced and fair reporting. The statement urged media outlets to seek clarification from authorized military sources before breaking news to avoid spreading misinformation.
“It should also be pointed out that the propensity to always rush to press in the name of ‘breaking news’ without a hold of the complete facts should be discouraged in its entirety. While the news of the crash filtered in, some outlets had misinformed Nigerians that a helicopter had crashed without the decency to clarify from the NAF.
“This attitude should be discouraged as it negates the principle of developmental journalism, balanced reporting and fairness.” he said.
