A Nigerian Air Force jet on Saturday crashed near Karabonde in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, with both pilots reportedly ejecting safely.
Local media platform Lapai TV confirmed the incident in a post accompanied by a short video, stating that the Alpha Jet went down close to the community but the two pilots survived.
The aircraft appeared to have taken off from the Kainji Air Force Base before the crash occurred.
“One of the villagers informed us that the incident happened at about 4.10 p.m.,” a resident, Lukman Sulaiman, said. “The aircraft landed very close to the town, but God was kind — the pilots ejected safely.”
Residents said they heard a loud noise before the jet hit the ground, prompting fear among villagers before they moved towards the scene.
Videos obtained by PUNCH Online showed the aircraft engulfed in flames at the crash site as locals gathered around.
The Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the crash as at the time of filing this report.