Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has commiserated with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) , Rivers state government and families of those who lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash in Bonny Rivers, Rivers state .
PANDEF in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini in Abuja on Saturday, expressed sadness over the disaster.
“We are saddened by the news of the crashed helicopter with registration 5NBQG, operated by East Wind Aviation, that was carrying eight persons, six passengers and two crew members when heading to FPSO NUIMANTAN OIL RIG (offshore Calabar) from from Port Harcourt Military base, DNPM.
“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, Ph.D 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.
“PANDEF mourned the oil workers, describing their passing as “an overwhelming tragedy that is shocking beyond comprehension.
“PANDEF received with shock, the news of the passing of eight persons in the Helicoptercrash that was carrying them from Port Harcourt Military base, DNPM to FPSO NUIMANTAN OIL RIG (offshore Calabar).
“PANDEF also calls on all relevant agencies to ensure no stone is left unturned in unearthing the immediate and remote causes of this tragic occurrence and all the measures required to be put in place to forestall any further occurrence just as it prayed for the repose of the departed and divine comfort for the families of the deceased,” the statement said.