Nigerian VP survives helicopter crash

ABUJA - Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday survived a helicopter crash while on an official trip to the country's central state of Kogi, a presidential spokesman has confirmed.

The six-seater helicopter, conveying Osinbajo and some of his aides, crash-landed in Kabba area of Kogi, presidential spokesman Laolu Akande said in a statement.

It was badly damaged but all the passengers and crew members were unhurt, the presidential aide said.

The exact cause of the accident will be determined by experts in due course, he said, confirming that an investigation has been launched into the helicopter crash.

The vice president himself confirmed through twitter that he and his aides on board are "safe and sound", adding the crew "managed the situation well."

Another presidency official told Xinhua there's no indication of sabotage or anything extraordinary so far.

According to local broadcaster Channels Television, the propeller of the helicopter broke off close to a field in the town, causing the chopper to crash-land.

Nigeria will hold general elections on Feb 16 to elect the president and national assembly members, and on March 2 to elect state governors and state houses of assembly members.