A wave of tension swept through Ukwo Owukpa yesterday following the unexpected landing of a helicopter near the famous Igbiji Market around 4:30 PM.
The helicopter, marked 5N-BVT, was initially spotted heading towards the Itabono axis of Owukpa before making a U-turn and landing at the LGEA Primary School in Ai-Oduh, Owukpa.
According to Mr. Onyeke, a local resident from Ai-Oduh Owukpa who spoke with us via phone, the helicopter’s appearance sparked a mixture of excitement and anxiety.
While some residents, thrilled by the rare sight of a helicopter, celebrated, others were alarmed given the ongoing security challenges in the country.
“The pilot disembarked briefly, but no one else exited the aircraft. After a short time, the pilot reboarded, and the helicopter took off, leaving many spectators in awe,” Mr. Onyeke recounted.
Another source speculated that the occupants’ reluctance to disembark might have been due to the large crowd that had gathered around the landing site.
There was some speculation that the helicopter might be linked to the ongoing peace initiatives in the Owukpa communit.
However, Mr. Ewaoche Obe, the convener of the peace movement, refuted any connection to the incident. “The helicopter has nothing to do with our peace meeting. We are already in the second phase of our efforts, and no one arrived by helicopter,” Mr. Obe clarified.
Royal Statement on the Incident
In response to growing concerns, His Royal Highness, the Ad’Ogbadibo, released a statement through his Press Secretary, Mr. Ojile Clement JNR, reassuring the community.
The statement confirmed that the helicopter, marked 5N-BVT, belonged to a private company based in Lagos and had landed in Owukpa by mistake.
“Background investigations have revealed that there are no security implications related to this incident. The pilot, upon realizing they were at the wrong destination, took off without further delay,” the statement read.
The Ad’Ogbadibo commended the community for their vigilance and urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
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