Nigeria vice president survives second chopper emergency

The helicopter that was carrying Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Mr Osinbajo escaped unhurt after the helicopter crash-landed at Kabba town in Kogi state on February 2, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Osinbajo had a similar narrow escape in June 2018 when his helicopter suddenly began emitting thick smoke and was forced to make an emergency landing in Abuja seconds after take off.
  • No-one was injured in Saturday's incident in north central Kogi state and Osinbajo was able to continue with his engagements afterwards, his spokesman Laolu Akande said in a tweet.

ABUJA,

A helicopter carrying Nigeria's vice president Yemi Osinbajo crash landed Saturday, an aide said, seven months after he survived another air emergency.

Osinbajo had a similar narrow escape in June 2018 when his helicopter suddenly began emitting thick smoke and was forced to make an emergency landing in Abuja seconds after take off.

No-one was injured in Saturday's incident in north central Kogi state and Osinbajo was able to continue with his engagements afterwards, his spokesman Laolu Akande said in a tweet.

Akande did not give further details but posted a picture of the chopper with a damaged propeller lying on its side.

Nigeria goes to the polls on February 16 with incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, a former military ruler, facing main rival Atiku Abubakar, a wealthy businessman and former vice-president representing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).​