Tinubu demands investigation into NNPC helicopter crash

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his profound condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board, its employees, and the families affected by the tragic helicopter crash near Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu offered his “deepest sympathies” to the families of the victims, emphasizing his support for those in mourning. The statement was titled, “President Tinubu Commiserates with the NNPC Board and Families of Victims Onboard the Helicopter in Port-Harcourt.”

The President also called for an “intensification of search and rescue operations” to locate any remaining passengers or evidence related to the incident, which involved an East Winds Aviation helicopter, registered as 5NBQG. This aircraft was contracted by NNPC Limited to transport contract staff to the FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic on Thursday.

Read also: From $70bn to bankruptcy: Obasanjo laments Nigeria’s financial mismanagement, mounting debt

To bolster the rescue efforts, Tinubu has “urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission,” ensuring coordination with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies essential for recovery and investigation.

His directive highlights the government’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the accident and providing closure for the affected families. In a message to the bereaved, Tinubu stated, “I fervently pray that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families,” reflecting the somber atmosphere following the incident.

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the helicopter crash in the Bonny area, noting that there were two crew members and six passengers on board at the time. In response, the police’s marine division, along with other agencies, has initiated a search operation to locate the aircraft and its occupants. Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko provided this update in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday night.

Additionally, the military, the National Emergency Management Agency, and emergency locators have commenced search efforts for the helicopter’s passengers. The aircraft, which was transporting NNPC Limited personnel, went down in the ocean, and as of now, there have been no reports of survivors.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the unfortunate incident through a statement issued by Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations for the ministry.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now