Helicopter Crash: Tinubu Orders Military to Join Rescue Operation, Details Emerge

• President Bola Tinubu has directed the military to join in the rescue operation after a helicopter crashed around Bonny Island of Rivers state, claiming three lives
• The special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday
• The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited confirmed on Thursday that it hired the helicopter for its operations

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an intensification of search and rescue for passengers of the ill-fated helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic near Bonny Finima, Port-Harcourt, on Thursday, October 24.

Port Harcourt crash: Tinubu gives military fresh order

President Tinubu urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission and provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to the statement, the president also condoled the Board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the families of all those who were confirmed to have passed away in the accident.

President Bola Tinubu fervently prayed that the Almighty God would grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families.

Channels TV confirmed the development in its publication on Friday.

Port Harcourt helicopter crash claims 3 lives

Recall that on Thursday, a helicopter carrying eight people, including personnel of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, crashed into the water near Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean.

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The tragic incident claimed the lives of three people and also left the community in shock.

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development confirmed the crash through a statement released by its spokesperson, Odutayo Oluseyi, on Thursday.

Port Harcourt helicopter crash: NNPCL gives update

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the NNPC Limited has confirmed that some of its personnel were involved in the helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, on Thursday, October 24

Olufemi Soneye, the NNPCL spokesman, confirmed that the helicopter was operated by East Wind Aviation.

According to Olufemi Soneye, an NNPCL spokesman, NNPC Limited engaged the helicopter. Unfortunately, at 11:22 a.m., the aircraft ditched into the waters near Bonny Finima, prompting rescue efforts.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng