Authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International (MMIA) Lagos have commenced investigations to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a mangled body on Runway 18R of the airport on Thursday.
The runway serves international flights and domestic flights at night.
A highly placed source who spoke with our correspondent said the dead body could not have been that of an airport official because no worker would be wandering around the highly restricted area.
He said security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS), have been invited to probe the situation.
Besides, it was learnt that identifying the body would require some forensic analysis as it could not be easily identified.
The source said, “As I am talking to you, security operatives including the police, Department of State Service (DSS), the Aviation Security (AVSEC) are currently investigating it. But we are suspecting it is a case of stowaway.
“But investigation will determine this. Nobody has been reported missing by any agency, company or organisation at the airport. So the person may be a stowaway.”
When contacted on the incident, the Regional Manager of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Victoria Shi’naba simply said, “We are still investigating.”
She however noted that the incident did not have much effect on flight operations as the body was evacuated immediately.
A former Commandant of the MMIA, Group Capt. John Ojikutu, rtd, also said there are many questions to be answered about the incident.
He said, “It happened yesterday before the body was discovered about 9am. So it could have happened before 9am and all flights that landed before then could be culpable if none of them made a report. Secondly, who was the victim or whose body was it that was found, airport worker or intruder?
“If airport worker, it should not be difficult to identify him if he is wearing the correct uniform and On Duty Card (ODC); is he expected to be on duty? If an intruder, how did he get into the airport restricted area?
“Outside the perimeter fence do we have a security fence? If no security fence is the perimeter securely enhanced to meet the global standards for airport security fence?”
There are many questions for the airport authorities and the air traffic control management to answer to be able to get into the cause of the serious incident or the negligence in the cause of the serious incident.”
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