WHY
did the helicopter carrying former Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa and
former National Security Adviser Andrew Azazi crash?
The
question remained unanswered yesterday but in military circles sabotage is seen
as one of the “strong possibilities” being considered– according to sources who
pleaded not to be named “because of the sensitivity of the matter.”
The
source, who is a top officer in the Western Naval Command, said: “At the
moment, we can’t rule out sabotage as a possible cause of the fatal crash.
“We
have heard reports that the helicopter might have exploded before it hit the
ground. There is also yet unsubstantiated rumour that it was shot.
“For
those reasons and the calibre of personalities involved, there is a strong case
to assume, just assumption for now, that something beyond mechanical error
triggered the crash.”
The
aircraft, which is believed to be one of those attached to the Chief of Naval
Staff, crashed on its way from Okoloba. On board with the duo were: Dauda
Tosho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, Commander Muritala Daba and Lt. Adeyemi
Sowole. They were on their way from the funeral of President Goodluck Jonathan’s
aide Oronto Douglas’ father.
The
incident was the topic of discussion in top military circles and at officers’
messes yesterday. Among the puzzles are wther the chopper was gunned down or
compromised prior to the fatal trip.
The
aircraft was said to have been on aerial reconnaissance operation in the creek
when it was redeployed to the service of the former top military brass.
The
source said: “They said two or five minutes into the air, the helicopter
exploded. We don’t know what happened exactly. Investigation has started now.
“They
will soon give us the real story on what actually happened and what really went
wrong. There are many rumours. Some allege sabotage.”
The
late Yakowa visited his parents’ graves 14 days before his death, it was learnt
yesterday.
Yakowa’s
widow, Amina, also recounted her last encounter with him as sympathisers,
including Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon,
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and the wife of the Vice President Amina, visited her.
Bayelsa
State Governor Seriake Dickson was in tears at the mortuary of the Federal
Medical Centre in Yenagoa when he went in company of military chiefs to see the
bodies of the six victims.
The
naval helicopter that the victims flew went up in flame after take-off before
crashing into the creek in Tombi Community, Nembe Local Government Area
They
were in Okoloba, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, for the funeral
of Chief Obebara Douglas, father of Special Adviser to President Goodluck
Jonathan on Strategy and Documentation, Mr. Oronto Douglas.
Source:
The Nation
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