THE Nigerian Navy last night confirmed the crash of its Agusta helicopter around the Nembe-Okoroba area of Bayelsa State.
In a Press statement released by Naval Headquarters, Naval spokesman Commodore Kabir Aliyu said: “A Nigerian Navy Agusta helicopter (helo 07) crashed today Saturday 15 December 2012 at about 3:30pm around Nembe-Okoroba area in Bayelsa State, the helicopter was conveying Very Important Personalities (VIPs) to Port Harcourt from Okoroba village.”
He further added: “Search and rescue operation is on-going by a combined team of personnel from Joint Task Force (OPS PULO SHIELD), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, NEMA and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. Further details on the crash will be made available as received.”
Sources say that Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former Governor of Kaduna State and immediate past National Security Adviser, Gen Andrew Owoye Azazi were burnt to death in the helicopter crash.
The source also added that Mr. Yakowa, had earlier arrived the venue of the interdenominational service of the burial of the father of Presidential Adviser, Oronto Douglas, with Seriake Dickson governor of Bayelsa State, Gen Azazi, former governor of Bauchi State Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Oba Otudeko, Mr. Timi Alaibe and other top government functionaries.
The crashed Helo 07 was one of the two helicopters at the burial venue. The other conveyed the Chief of staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe who represented President, Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, Private Principal Secretary to the President, Mr Mohammed Tukur and the immediate past Presidential Spokesman, Mr Ima Niboro.
SOURCE: The Guardian.
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