Crashed ‘drone’ causes panic in Kaduna

A flying object suspected to be a spy drone crashed in Maidaro village in Kidandam district of Giwa LGA of Kaduna State yesterday, causing apprehension among residents.

The district head of Kidandam and traditional title holder of Kaigaman Zazzau, Alhaji Umaru, told Daily Trust that he saw the object before being transferred to the Kaduna state police command headquarters.

“I saw the ‘ plane’ with my eyes. It is so small that one hand can carry it. People became apprehensive thinking that it was one of the planes being used to convey weapons to the people terrorising our areas,” Alhaji Umar said.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Kaduna State police command, SP Aminu Lawal, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation would determine the status of the object.

“It is not something serious, but you need to visit the area yourself and interview the person that saw the ‘toy’ in his farm. It is not really a ‘toy’ because it has something that looks like engine with some coils. It is just people that are exaggerating it but investigation will reveal its true status,” SP Lawa said.

An expert in the aviation industry said: “Spy drones are usually very small and we call them unmanned drones. You can use one hand to lift them, and they are being controlled from the ground. It is possible that what was found at that village may be a spy drone. The authorities should ensure a proper investigation not to rush in condemning what was found as toy,” he said.

A source at the emir of Zazzau’s palace told our correspondent that the district head of Kidandam, Alhaji Umaru, was at the palace to submit a report on the incident to the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris.