Azazi Feared Dead In Crashed Naval Chopper (Updated)

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi apparently died in a helicopter that crashed today in Bayelsa State, a reliable source has told SaharaReporters.

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi, a retired military general who served as chief security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, were among passengers in the ill-fated helicopter.

Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) had earlier indicated that the agency had activated a search for a crashed helicopter.

Our sources had earlier disclosed that the crashed chopper was carrying “some major political figures.” As at the time of going to press, Saharareporters was unable to confirm the identity of any other passengers in the ill-fated chopper.

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi were among many political figures who reportedly attended the burial of the father of senior presidential aide Oronto Douglas. The funeral event took place in the Nembe area of Bayelsa State earlier today. SaharaReporters learnt that the crashed helicopter was one of several helicopters that some well-connected people to the funeral.

The crash comes on the heels of a plane crash on October 25, 2012 that has left Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State brain-damaged. Mr. Suntai was moved to a hospital in Germany where he remains in poor shape, unable to recognize his visitors or to speak.

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoye Azazi apparently died in a helicopter that crashed today in Bayelsa State.

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi, a retired military general who served as chief security adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, were among passengers in the ill-fated helicopter.

Nigeria's National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) had earlier indicated that the agency had activated a search for a crashed helicopter.

The crashed chopper was carrying “some major political figures.” The identity of any other passengers in the ill-fated chopper is yet to be confirmed.

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi were among many political figures who reportedly attended the burial of the father of senior presidential aide Oronto Douglas. The funeral event took place in the Nembe area of Bayelsa State earlier today. SaharaReporters learnt that the crashed helicopter was one of several helicopters that some well-connected people to the funeral.

The crash comes on the heels of a plane crash on October 25, 2012 that has left Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State brain-damaged. Mr. Suntai was moved to a hospital in Germany where he remains in poor shape, unable to recognize his visitors or to speak.

JUST IN: Nigeria's National Emergency Management Authoritty (NEMA) says it has activated a a search party to look for a crashed chopper.

Helicopter reportedly carrying a politician has crashed in Bayelsa state. Saharareporters cannot immediately confirm the identity of the crashed chopper or the passengers on board.

Several politicians reportedly attended the burial of the father of presidential aide Oronto Douglasin Nembe area of Bayesa today. The missing helicopter is one the several helicopters that transported dignitaries to the event.

UPDATE: Six important personalities including Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, former national security advisers NSA, General Owoye Azazi were said to be in the naval aircraft at the time of the crash.

Others in the ill-fated crash: a top politician in Kaduna Dudas Tsoho, Azazi’s orderly, and the pilot and his co-pilot were said to be on board the helicopter when it crashed.

More details soon