Tinubu orders probe into Rivers helicopter crash, condoles familes

President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and the families of victims involved in the helicopter crash near Bonny Finima, Rivers State.

In a statement issued Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu offered his “deepest sympathies” to those affected by the tragedy. The President also directed intensified search and rescue efforts to recover any remaining passengers or evidence from the accident site.

The helicopter, operated by East Winds Aviation with registration 5NBQG, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday while transporting NNPC contract staff to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN facility.

Tinubu urged military officers operating in the region to join the rescue mission in coordination with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other relevant agencies. He emphasized the government’s commitment to uncover the cause of the incident and provide closure to the families.

“I fervently pray that Almighty God grants eternal rest to the departed souls and comforts their families,” Tinubu said, acknowledging the tragic loss of life.

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the crash, stating that two crew members and six passengers were on board the ill-fated helicopter. The police’s marine division, alongside other agencies, has launched recovery operations.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, confirmed the incident in a Thursday night statement, adding that emergency teams from the military and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are actively searching for survivors.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also confirmed the incident through a statement from Odutayo Oluseyi, Head of Press and Public Relations at the ministry.