ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Nigeria’s oil giant, NNPC Ltd, has confirmed the death of three persons in the helicopter crash in Akwa Ibom, saying it hired the helicopter involved in the incident.
NNPCL’s chief spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement made available to Sundiata Post on Thursday evening, said the helicopter had on board eight persons made up of six passengers and two crew members.
The statement reads:
On the 24th of October 2024, about 11:22am, we lost contact with the Helicopter – Register Number: 5NBQG, engaged by NNPC Limited, that took off from Port Harcourt NAF Base en route the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN. The helicopter was operated by East Winds Aviation.
There were 8 persons on board (6 passengers and 2 crew members). The appropriate authorities have been contacted, including the Ministry of Aviation, who have since issued a press statement.
Search and rescue missions are currently ongoing. So far, three (3) bodies have been recovered.
We shall continue to monitor the situation and provide regular updates as the events unfold.
Our prayers are with the passengers, crew and their respective families at this very difficult time.
We will continue to do everything possible to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
Olufemi O. Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd.
Abuja.
