Authorities at the Murtala Muhammed International (MMIA), Lagos, have commenced investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a mangled body on runway 18R of the airport on Thursday.
Findings by Africa Update reveal that the mangled body could not have been an airport worker because no worker would be wandering around the highly restricted area and should have a tag or uniform for identification. An Airport source however, disclosed that it could be a suspected case of a stowaway.
A stowaway is a person who hides on a ship, aircraft or other vehicles in order to travel without paying or being seen.
A 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 deceased person may be a stowaway.”
The acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Faithful Hope-Ivbaze, confirmed the incident, saying the body was discovered by its motorised cleaner “that was cleared to carry out a de-ruberization and sweeping of the runway at about 0106hours, the situation was escalated to relevant departments.
“As a result, between 0110 and 0343 hours, the runway was temporarily closed to allow for immediate evacuation of the remains. Flight operations resumed at 0343 hours. Investigations are ongoing and a report will be issued accordingly.”
The runway majorly serves international flights and at night, domestic flights also land at the runway.
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