By Matthew Denis with agency report
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said nvestigation has begun into Saturday crash – landing of an helicopter conveying Vice -President Yemi Osinbajo in Kabba , Kogi State.
The General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, confirmed the development to newsmen in Lagos.
Adurogboye said the investigation was being conducted by the Accident Investigations Bureau, the statutory agency saddled with the task of investigating such serious incidents and accidents.
“The NCAA has been notified about the incident and we have notified the AIB to begin investigations in line with its mandate,” Adurogboye said.
A source also told journalists on the condition of anonymity that the AIB had already deployed its team of investigators to the crash site to ascertain the remote and immediate cause of the incident.
Also confirming the development, Caverton Helicopters, in a statement signed by its Managing Director, Capt . Josiah Choms, said the relevant aviation agencies had been informed about the incident .
Choms said “An Augusta AW139 Helicopter, under management by Caverton Helicopters was involved in a mishap on landing in Kabba , Kogi State on February 2 as a result of unusual weather conditions.
“There were no injuries to the passengers or crew on board and they were all quickly and safely evacuated.
“The relevant authorities have been duly informed and an investigation into the incident has commenced . We will , of course , support the authorities as required .
“We wish to reassure the public and our various stakeholders of our unwavering commitment to safety in all our operations , ” he said .
Recall that Osinbajo and his entourage had crash – landed in Kabba when he visited the town for his Next-Level engagements with the people.
…the belts did marvellous job — VP’s aide
Babafemi Ojudu, one of the aides of the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, who was on board the helicopter that crashed in Kabba, Kogi State on Saturday narrated how the seat belts helped during that difficult moment.
The aircraft which conveyed Osinbajo and his aides from Abuja to the north-central state crash-landed at a stadium in Kabba around 3pm on Saturday.
In a Facebook post, Ojudu said they were lucky that the aircraft did not burst into flames.
He said while no one panicked during the accident, the focus was majorly on the vice president’s safety.
He commended the security personnel who rescued them and narrated how Osinbajo looked out for them.
“To family, friends and associates thank you all for your concern and show of love and affection. I can’t thank you enough. It was a miracle we survived,” he wrote.
“The belts did a marvellus job and so were the security men on ground who quickly pulled us out of the wreckage not minding their own safety. We were also calm all through the ordeal. There was no panic of any kind.
“The immediate concern of all of us was the safety of our principal. We ensured he got out first. He too ensured we were all out before going into a vehicle. When we were all safely in the bus he insisted the assignment must go on and we drove to the palace of Obaro of Kabba.
“The Kabba people gave us a warm welcome and showered us with prayers. We thank them all. Above all God must be praised for providing us that umbrella of protection and prevented the helicopter from exploding in flames.”
…Buhari praises Osinbajo for carrying on with campaign
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo for his “resilience” over how he handled the helicopter crash of Saturday.
According to a statement from Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari called the vice-president and praised him for continuing with campaign activities despite the crash.
Buhari said it takes “tenacious spirit and amazing spiritual strength” to survive a helicopter crash “without being paralysed by its impact.”
Shehu quoted the president as telling Osinbajo during the phone call: “We give glory to Almighty God for sparing your life. I’m impressed by your tenacious spirit which enabled you to continue on your campaign engagement, despite the shock of the crash.
“I’m proud of our partnership and your unalloyed loyalty and your commitment to the service of Nigeria,” he said.
“That you proceeded with your engagements, despite the accident, is a testimony of your passion for service to country and a reflection of your admirable spiritual fervour.
“May God continue to protect you and and all those on board with you, bless your lives and grant you more good health and long life to serve our country even more.”
The managers of the helicopter said the crash was caused by unusual weather condition.
It was the second crash in eight months involving the vice-president.
