A private aircraft carrying David Jimkuta, the senator representing Taraba South, returned to Abuja after developing a technical fault shortly after takeoff.
The incident occurred on Saturday while the senator was traveling toward Kashimbila airport.
Jimkuta was scheduled to attend the 2026 Zion Conference in Takum and to visit the Catholic Diocese of Wukari to offer condolences following a fire at St. Mary’s Cathedral.
The flight had departed Abuja after an initial delay caused by weather conditions, but about six minutes into the journey, the pilot detected a problem and immediately turned the plane back.
All passengers and crew landed safely. Those on board included Magaji Jirape, president of the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria, Istifanus Gbana, former speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, and Adi Shekarau Masa-Ibi, an APC youth leader.
The senator expressed gratitude for the safe return and said details of the rescheduled visit would be communicated later.
