President Tinubu reacts to helicopter crash in Port Harcourt

Following the helicopter crash in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed the military and relevant agencies to intensify rescue efforts at the crash site.

The tragic incident, which took place yesterday morning, involved a chartered helicopter, marked 5NBQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited. The aircraft was carrying senior officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The helicopter, which had departed from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) en route to the NUIM ANTAN oil rig near Bonny Finima, tragically went down approximately one kilometre from its destination at around 11:30 a.m.

Following the incident, President Tinubu issued a directive last night calling for a heightened pace and efficiency in the search and rescue operations to ensure the swift recovery of any survivors and to manage the aftermath of the crash effectively.

A statement released through Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said, “President Tinubu urges military officers involved in various operations in the zone to join the rescue mission and provide all necessary support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies.

“The President condoles with the Board and staff of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the families of all those who were confirmed to have passed away in the accident.

President Tinubu fervently prays that the Almighty God will grant eternal rest to the three departed souls and comfort their families.”