Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
The Drum Online gathered that the aircraft departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 10:33 am with six persons on board, including 2 crew members.
Hadi Sirika, Minister of aviation, has confirmed that a military aircraft, King Air 350 crashed short of Abuja runway on Sunday.
The minister said the King Air 350 which was heading to Minna, Niger state capital, had engine failure.
He said via his Twitter handle that the “A military aircraft King Air 350has just crashed short of our Abuja runway after reporting engine failure en route Minna.
“It appears to be fatal. We should remain calm & wait for the outcome of (an) investigation by the military, while we pray for the departed soul/souls if any.”
A video of the scene posted online showed residents frantically gathering at the crash site.
The area has been enveloped with thick smoke with rescue efforts ongoing.
