How VP Osinbajo, 12 Others Survived Helicopter Crash In Kogi

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Minister and 10 others, survived a helicopter crash at Kabba Township Stadium, Kogi State.

Yemi Osinbajo was in Kogi in continuation of the TraderMoni scheme, was scheduled to visit Kabba, Okene and Idah, headquarters of Kogi West, Central and East respectively.

At exactly 2:40 pm, the first chopper in Osinbajo’s entourage made a successful landing and was followed by the second chopper conveying the VP.

The chopper conveying the VP, which made its landing around 2:45 pm, was, however, unlucky as the tail of the chopper caught one of the vehicles parked in the arena and tumbled immediately.

Emergency prayers erupted in the crowd when part of the chopper’s wings got severed from the main body.

It took several minutes before the door of the chopper could be forced open.

The VP, who was subsequently freed from his seat belt and carried out of the chopper, took some minutes to stand and waved to the waiting crowd.

He was immediately taken away to an hotel where he rested before proceeding to the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, who doubles as the Chairman, Okun Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Solomon Owoniyi.

Babafemi Ojudu, a political adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari was on the delegation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when the accident occurred.

In a Facebook update on Sunday, Mr Ojudu said he was calm during the accident, although the focus was largely on the vice president’s safety. He said:

“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.

“The belts did a marvelous 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.”