The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board, its staff, and the families impacted by the recent helicopter crash near Bonny Finima off the coast of Port Harcourt.
In a Friday statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu conveyed his “deepest sympathies” to the families of those lost in the helicopter crash, expressing his solidarity with the grieving families.
The statement, titled “President Tinubu Commiserates with the NNPC Board and Families of Victims Onboard the Helicopter in Port-Harcourt,” highlighted the President’s support for those affected.
Tinubu directed an “intensification of search and rescue operations” to locate any remaining passengers or evidence following the tragic incident involving the East Winds Aviation helicopter, registered as 5NBQG.
The helicopter, hired by NNPC Limited, was “ferrying contract staff” to the FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN facility when it crashed into the Atlantic on Thursday.
To ensure comprehensive support, Tinubu has “urged military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission,” ensuring collaboration with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other agencies crucial to recovery and investigation efforts.
According to the statement, his directive underscores the government’s dedication to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the accident and providing closure to those affected.
In his message to the bereaved, President Tinubu expressed, “I fervently pray that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families,” capturing the somber mood following the tragic incident.
