President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed utter shock and sadness over the crash Saturday in Bayelsa State of a military helicopter resulting in the death of Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State and former National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd), their aides, Dauda Tsoho and Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal and the pilots, Commander Muritala Mohammed Daba and Lt. Adeyemi O. Sowole.

In a statement by Reuben Abati, Special Adviser Media & Publicity to the President, Jonathan extended his deep and heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, and the governments and people of Kaduna and Bayelsa States.

He describes the sudden loss of these distinguished Nigerians as extremely painful to the entire nation.

According to the statement, President Jonathan has ordered an investigation into the cause(s) of the crash.