Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday reflected on his miraculous survival of a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State, seven years ago, expressing profound gratitude to God for sparing the lives of all 12 people on board.

In a remembrance post on his official Instagram page on Monday, the former Vice President expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life during the harrowing incident.

“You have been faithful. More than just faithful. From my cradle days. Till this very hour. And I know You will. You will be with me. Till the very end,” Osinbajo wrote.

The former Vice President offered prayers in multiple languages, saying: “Ubangiji (Sovereign God). Yesu (Jesus). Nabaka godiya (I give You thanks). Sarkin duniya (The King of all the Earth). Nagode (Thank You)” .

Recalling the 2019 crash, he added, “7 years ago, You carried every one of us out of that helicopter crash without a single scrape. Not one life lost. Not one wound left behind. Only mercy. Only grace”.

On February 2, 2019, the chopper carrying Yemi Osinbajo, then vice-president, crash-landed in Kabba, Kogi state. Osinbajo was on a campaign tour to the north-central state to rally support for former President Muhammadu Buhari and himself.

The chopper departed runway 22 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 1:46pm. At about 2:20pm — some 30 minutes into the flight — the chopper’s systems alerted the crew that the multi-purpose flight recorder (MPFR) had failed. At about 2:34pm, the chopper struck the ground hard on its right landing gear before tilting to one side.

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Despite the severity of the crash, Osinbajo and the 11 other occupants emerged from the aircraft unscathed.

Recalling the incident in a post on X on Monday, Laolu Akande, former media aide to Osinbajo, said the professor of law rejected suggestions that the campaign should be suspended after the crash. “And then within the hour, Osinbajo led us right back to the campaigns. He didn’t agree to suggestions that we should abandon the work and go and rest! Such was the courage on display” .

Following the crash, Osinbajo insisted on continuing with the campaign schedule, driving into Kabba where he was met by a massive, cheering crowd.

The Kabba crash was not the first time Osinbajo had escaped a helicopter mishap. On June 7, 2018, the chopper that conveyed Osibanjo from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, was forced to land a few minutes after take off , marking the second air mishap within an eight-month period.

His wife, Dolapo Osinbajo, also shared a message of gratitude, praising God for His deliverance. She wrote, “Remembering the helicopter crash of 2nd February 2019. I give praise and thanks to God for His great deliverance. Psalm 104:1b. O Lord my God, You are very great” .

The former Vice President concluded his post with a note of deep appreciation: “Lord, we are deeply grateful. We give You all the glory, all the honour, and all the adoration. NAGODE!!!”

Osinbajo served as Vice President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.