A presidential aide, Babafemi Ojudu, has revealed he alongside the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo and other members of the entourage and crew survived the helicopter crash on Saturday.
Ojudu was on the delegation of Osinbajo when the accident occurred as their chopper was landing in Kabba, Kogi State.
The aide said in his statement, “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.
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“The belts did a marvellous 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.”
The accident happened around 3:00 p.m with everyone onboard unhurt after the incident.
In the same vein, the charter service which operated the Augusta A139 helicopter, Caverton Group, blamed “unusual weather conditions” for the crash in a preliminary statement.
Further investigations are expected.
Meanwhile, Osinbajo spoke shortly after the incident reassuring Nigerians he was alive and well with campaign activities to continue as planned.
According to our sources, the vice president, a Pentecostal Christian, is expected to take part at a thanksgiving service in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, this Sunday morning, according to persons familiar with his schedule.
He would then proceed to Ida, another major town in the state, for campaign tour.
The presidential elections hold on February 16, and the administration is seeking reelection.
