The leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum has commiserated with the Federal Government, the Rivers State Government and the families of those who died in the East Winds Aviation Helicopter crash on 24 October 2024.
In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Dr Obiuwevbi Ominimini on Saturday, the National President, Ambassador Godknows Igali, condoled with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Management of East Wind Aviation over the “tragic and very unfortunate incident”, expressing shock at the news of the loss of the six passengers and two crew members aboard the flight.
The ill-fated flight departed the NAF base in Port Harcourt bound for the NIUMATAN offshore oil right, before crashing into the Bonny River, in Rivers State on Thursday.
PANDEF described the incident as a dark day for Rivers State, the FG, the Aviation sector and the NNPCL, describing the passing of the workers on board as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension”.
Part of the statement reads, “On behalf of the National Leader, Chief Dr Edwin K. Clark, OFR, CON, the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee and the entire membership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the National Chairman of the Forum, Amb. Godknows Igali, PhD extends heartfelt condolences to the family members of those on board the Eastwind Aviation helicopter that crashed on Thursday into Bonny River, in Rivers State, claiming the lives of its eight occupants”.
“PANDEF also condoles with the Federal Government, the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, the Rivers State government and the management of East Wind Aviation over the tragic and very unfortunate incident.”
“PANDEF notes that it was a dark day for the Rivers State, the Federal Government, especially the Aviation sector, where energetic persons who were oil workers and contract staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL died in the process”, the statement partly read.
Igali also prayed for the repose of the departed and prayed to God Almighty to comfort the grieving Nigerians and the families of the deceased at this deeply agonising moment.
They called on all relevant agencies to ensure that no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and that all measures required are put in place to forestall any further occurrence.
