AFTER initial denial that there was no casualty in the incident of the air crash that involved two fighter jets of the Nigerian Airforce, the military authority has confirmed the death of one of the pilots in the two ill-fated F-7Ni jets that crashed in Abuja, on Friday.

His parachute failed when he ejected from the jet fighter and died as he landed on a rock, The ICIR gathered.

“It is with a heavy heart that I regretfully announce that one of the pilots who successfully ejected from one of the F-7Ni aircraft that crashed earlier today has passed on. May his soul RIP,” said the Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Ibikunle Daramola, in a statement

“Additional details on the incident will be communicated later,” he added

Daramola who had earlier confirmed the crash of the two aircrafts taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations said there was no casualty.

“I wish to confirm an air incident involving two Nigerian Air Force aircraft taking part in the rehearsals for the 58th Independence Day Celebrations. Thankfully no lives were lost. Details will be communicated later,” Daramola had said.

An eyewitness had confirmed the death of one of the pilots to The ICIR.

“I witnessed the crash soon as it happened,” the witness said, “two pilots ejected and are being searched for now,” he added.

He revealed that the other pilot ejected but “his parachute failed and he died on the spot.”