President Bola Tinubu has called for a thorough investigation into the recent helicopter crash involving a Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) helicopter, which occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima in Port Harcourt. He expressed his deep condolences to the NNPC board, staff, and the families of those affected by the tragic incident.
In a statement issued on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu conveyed his “deepest sympathies” to the grieving families and the NNPC community.
“I fervently pray that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families,” Tinubu said in his message, emphasizing his solidarity with those mourning the loss.
The incident involved an East Winds Aviation helicopter, registered as 5NBQG, which had been hired by NNPC Limited. The helicopter was transporting contract staff to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday. The helicopter carried two crew members and six other occupants.
President Tinubu has directed that search and rescue operations be intensified to locate any remaining passengers or evidence. He urged military personnel involved in various operations in the region to join the rescue efforts, ensuring coordination with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other key agencies.
“This directive underscores the government’s dedication to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the accident and providing closure to those affected,” the statement read.
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The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the crash and announced that a search operation had already begun.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the state’s Police Command, said in a statement on Thursday night, “Our marine division, in cooperation with other agencies, has commenced a search party to recover the aircraft and the occupants.”
Following the crash, the military, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other emergency responders launched search efforts to locate any survivors and recover the wreckage of the helicopter. However, as of the time of the report, no survivors had been found.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also addressed the situation, confirming the unfortunate incident through a statement from the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Odutayo Oluseyi. The ministry assured the public that all necessary steps were being taken to investigate the cause of the crash.