Bayelsa helicopter crash: Jonathan mourns victims, releases names of four other occupants

President Goodluck Jonathan, has released a statement, mourning the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa, Andrew Owoeye Azazi, among other occupants of the ill-fated helicopter, which crashed in his native Bayelsa state this evening.

The four other occupants of the chopper were named as: Dauda Tsoho, an aide to Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, an aide to former National Security Adviser, Owoye Azazi, and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.

“President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd), their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole,” the statement said.

“The President extends deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States. He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.

“President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash.”