LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Air travel has been seen as the easiest, most comfortable, and stress-free mode of transportation over the years.
The recent plane crash that claimed the life of former Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe has stirred a lot of controversies over the rising threat of plane and helicopter crashes.
Below is the list of high-profile Nigerians who died in helicopter crashes
1. Herbert Wigwe
On February 9, 2024, Nigeria was thrown into a state of mourning when the death of a top banker and businessman, Herbert Wigwe, alongside his wife, son, as well as former Nigerian Exchange Group Plc Chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and two crew members was announced.
They died in a helicopter crash in Nipton, California, U.S.A.
2. Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru
On May 21, 2021, former chief of army staff (COAS) Ibrahim Attairu and 11 other senior military officers who were going to Zaria for a passing out parade of army recruits all died when their ill-fated aircraft crashed near Kaduna International Airport.
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Till today no one can say exactly what caused the crash.
3. Patrick Yakowa & General Owoeye Azazi.
The news broke On December 15, 2012, that four persons were reportedly burnt in a naval helicopter crash that occurred in the forest of the Okoroba community in Nembe local government of Bayelsa State.
Amongst the passengers were former Kaduna state Governor Patrick Yakowa and General Andrew Owoeye Azazi, who served as National Security Adviser (NSA) under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was also Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria and Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
4. Sultan Muhammadu Maccido Abubakar III
The Sokoto caliphate was thrown into dismay when the plane carrying the 19th Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido Abubakar III, and his son, Badamasi Maccido crashed on ADC Airlines Flight 53 on October 29, 2006, while returning home after meeting with then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Maccido, along with his son, were both buried in Sokoto.
5. Ibrahim Abacha
A heartbreaking death touched the roof of Aso Rock on January 17, 1996, when the presidential plane carrying the son of former Head of State, Sani Abacha, and 13 others crashed, and no one survived.
According to a report, A group “United Front for Nigeria’s Liberation” claimed responsibility for the crash.