President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), its staff, and the families of those affected by a recent helicopter crash off the coast of Bonny Finima in Port-Harcourt. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his “deepest sympathies” to the bereaved and affirmed his support for those mourning their loved ones.
The tragedy, involving an East Winds Aviation helicopter registered as 5NBQG, occurred Thursday while ferrying NNPC contract staff to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN facility. Responding to the incident, Tinubu directed “intensification of search and rescue operations” to locate any remaining passengers or evidence of the crash, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing closure for affected families.
Tinubu has also urged military forces involved in various operations in the area to collaborate closely with agencies like the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in the rescue mission. This directive aims to ensure a coordinated response and expedite recovery efforts for those still unaccounted for.
In a message to the bereaved, Tinubu prayed for “eternal rest for the departed souls” and asked for divine comfort for their families. His message resonated with the sorrow felt across the nation following the tragic loss of life.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the crash, revealing that eight individuals—two crew members and six passengers—were aboard the helicopter. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko reported that search efforts, led by the police marine division in coordination with other agencies, are underway to locate the missing occupants and recover the aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the National Emergency Management Agency and military personnel had swiftly initiated search operations. As of the latest report, no survivors have been found.
