Nigeria - Governor Yakowa Of Kaduna, Former NSA Azazi Feared Dead In Helicopter Crash

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser Andrew Owoeye Azazi apparently died in a helicopter that crashed today in Bayelsa, local online news agency SaharaReporters reports.

Governor Yakowa and Mr. Azazi, a retired military general who served as Chief Of Defense Staff and 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.