Panic in the Skies: Minister Nyesom Wike Narrowly Escapes Plane Crash After Mid-Air Engine Failure

In a harrowing mid-air incident that could have ended in tragedy, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has narrowly escaped a plane crash after one of the aircraft’s engines failed just 15 minutes into his flight. The near-disaster has since sparked widespread concern and heated conversations online as Nigerians digest the gravity of what could have been a national calamity.

The shocking revelation came to light after a video surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posted by user @ChuksEricE, showing the minister vividly recounting the ordeal. In the video, Wike can be seen speaking with a mixture of composure and disbelief, narrating how his routine travel plan nearly turned into a deadly episode.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the day began like any other. His wife had earlier traveled to Lagos to pick up their daughter and successfully landed at the Air Force Base in Lagos. In a bid to reunite with them and attend to some pressing matters, Wike opted to fly out of Port Harcourt the same day. What was meant to be a straightforward trip soon spiraled into a terrifying situation when the aircraft encountered serious technical trouble.

“Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the air hostess was running. I asked what the problem was. She came back and told us one engine is gone,” Wike recounted, visibly shaken even as he narrated the event later in church, attributing his survival to divine intervention and prayer. According to him, the pilot quickly took control of the situation, deciding against continuing to Lagos and instead made a swift return to Port Harcourt, landing safely and averting what could have been a national tragedy.

Social media erupted as Nigerians processed the news, many expressing gratitude that the minister was unharmed, while others didn’t hesitate to point out the perceived irony of the situation, given Wike’s often controversial political stance and brash public persona. The reactions ranged from heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving to biting sarcasm.

One user, @MolanoHybrd, wrote, “Just remember that whatever power you have in this world, use it well.” Others were less forgiving. @justkency commented, “So it was Wike that was shouting like a mad person on that recording,” referring to an earlier circulating audio that many had dismissed until now.

Even more caustic was @GIbadin’s remark: “So he was actually the one on that flight. Has he now learnt his lessons and ready to repent and outgrow his rascality?” Meanwhile, @chinemelumma added, “He’s scared of death, but feels like GOD in Port Harcourt.”

The backlash wasn’t unexpected. Wike, known for his outspoken demeanor and combative style, especially during his tenure as governor and now in federal service, has often polarized opinion. But the incident has laid bare a universal truth—no matter one’s power or status, life remains fragile.

A different angle of the story began to trend when a snippet of Wike’s testimony in church was shared, showing the minister emotionally crediting prayer for their safe return. “The plane carrying me and two of my friends lost one engine 15 minutes after takeoff, and the pilot advised them to go back to base,” Wike said. The footage added a spiritual undertone to the incident and invited both sympathy and skepticism in equal measure.

While aviation authorities have yet to release an official report on the engine failure or the airline involved, many Nigerians are calling for a thorough investigation to determine how such a critical malfunction occurred and whether there were lapses in maintenance or safety protocols. Some are also pointing fingers at Nigeria’s aging fleet of aircraft and systemic lapses in aviation oversight.

In the wake of the incident, discussions around government officials’ safety measures, their use of local carriers, and the overall health of Nigeria’s aviation sector have intensified. Concerns have been raised over the recurring issue of near-misses and mechanical faults plaguing domestic air travel, even for high-profile figures.

But beyond the politics and technicalities, the moment served as a stark reminder of the thin line between life and death. One moment, a high-ranking minister was preparing for a meeting in Lagos. The next, he was staring down the possibility of becoming a breaking news headline under grimmer circumstances. For his supporters, this was a divine intervention. For his critics, perhaps a humbling moment in a career marked by audacity.

One user, @IfeanyiDeclan, struck a more reflective tone: “This is a warning if he knows, but thank God for a second chance. He will tell his wife this time around where all his money is hiding.” Others mocked his apparent fear during the ordeal. @Sont_mano posted, “So this Werey dey fear 😂😂 And he dey do say na gangster,” while @Chinexih delivered a cutting jab: “He forgot to add the part where he was screaming like the little biatch he is.”

Regardless of the angles taken—be it spiritual, political, or comical—the fact remains that a potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly avoided. Wike, now more than ever, stands as a living testament to what could have been a devastating tragedy, one that might have left the nation mourning instead of debating.

As the video continues to circulate, and reactions continue to pour in, one thing is clear: for all the power, influence, and bravado that often define political life in Nigeria, nature remains the ultimate equalizer. And sometimes, it takes just one failed engine to bring even the mightiest back down to earth—literally and figuratively.