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The authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NFA) in Port Harcourt have confirmed that a rocket, which fell from its helicopter on patrol on Friday, destroyed a building in Woji, in Port Harcourt
The Commander of the Nigerian Air Force Base Port Harcourt, Air Vice-Marshall Abba Zannah, gave the confirmation, when he briefed newsmen in Port Harcourt on Friday.
``This morning, a rocket flew out of the Nigerian Air Force helicopter and destroyed a building at No 98 Woji Street, in Woji Town, Port Harcourt,'' he said.
The helicopter was said to be on routine patrol of the Niger Delta creeks, and the Commander did not disclose if it had completed its mission or not when the rocket fell off.
He said that the incident occurred about 6.30 a.m. on Friday, and that no life was lost.
A source told NAN that the damaged building has yet to be occupied and that a Toyota Camry parked near the building was also damaged.
Zannah said it was a technical error and that it was unusual in the system, pointing out that no life was lost in the incident.
``It is not a normal thing in the Air Force system and the outcome of the investigation will allow us take certain measures,'' he said .
The commander said the incident should not raise fears among the residents and appealed to them to go about their businesses.
He explained that the cause of the incident was being investigated.
Meanwhile, security personnel have cordoned off the area to search for unexploded shrapnel in the damaged building.
Sources at the scene of the incident told NAN that the sound of the exploding rocket caused great panic as people thought it was a bomb explosion. (NAN)
