The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole; and Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Wednesday escaped death when a helicopter in which they were travelling from the Ondo State capital, Akure, to Abeokuta, Ogun State crashlanded.


THE PUNCH learnt that the helicopter developed engine problems mid-air and lost contact with the control tower at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The situation forced the pilot of the chartered helicopter to land in a primary school a few kilometres from Abeokuta.


The loss of contact with the control tower was said to have caused apprehension at the airport. The helicopter had been expected to return to Lagos, from where it began the journey on Wednesday morning.


It was learnt that apart from both personalities and the pilot, there were two security aides aboard the helicopter. A source said the craft landed in Abule-Odo, Obafe in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, adding that they were rescued by a passing motorist.


When contacted, Bankole’s Special Adviser on Communications, Chief Kayode Odunaro, confirmed the incident, but said both men were not hurt in the crash.


Odunaro, who spoke with one of our correspondents at 10.34pm, said they were rescued by their aides, who rushed in a convoy to the location of the crash.


He said, “Apparently, there was an incident. The Speaker and the governor were on board the helicopter. It was a helicopter incident and they landed in a village five minutes’ drive from Abeokuta along Ajebo Road.


“We thank God that both of them are safe. The Speaker has been holding a meeting with a youth group since 8pm.”


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Thank God for His Mercy over his Country