By Daniel Edu
Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of former Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son, the community of Isiokpo in the Ikwerrre Local Government Area of Rivers State, his hometown, has announced a seven-day mourning period to honor their beloved son.
The nation has been in mourning since the shocking news of the helicopter crash emerged on February 9, 2024.
On Monday, His Royal Majesty, the Nye-Nwe-Eli of Isiokpo, Eze Blessing Ahiazunwo Wagor, declared that the community would embark on a week of mourning, beginning this Wednesday.
During this seven-day mourning period, all businesses in Isiokpo will be closed on the first and last day, with half-day operations on the remaining days. Residents have been observed dressing in black clothes, reflecting the somber mood prevailing in the community.
Meanwhile, authorities in the United States have noted that witness testimonies suggest rainfall at the time of the helicopter accident in California, near the Nevada border, on Friday.
“Witness reports to the weather condition at the time of the accident suggest rain and a wintry mix,” stated National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Michael Graham during a briefing on Sunday.
The unfortunate incident also claimed the life of a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. Two other crew members tragically lost their lives in the same incident.
